Late summer water safety tips

justnorth posted on August 22, 2007 16:51 :: 993 Views

People are heading to the beaches, lakes and pools around Minnesota to enjoy the last bit of summer vacation before school begins. Unfortunately, as cool and refreshing as it may look, water can be a killer, said Tim Smalley, DNR boat and water safety specialist.

"I think everyone wants to have a little more fun in the water, so they are heading to the lake, beach or pool a few more times," Smalley said. "But people need to remember that even though water is fun, it can be deadly to the careless, clueless or just plain unlucky."

DNR records indicate 16 non-boat related drownings so far this year, compared with a five-year average of 27 by Aug. 14.

The DNR offers these tips to help make it a safer summer in Minnesota:

- Take swimming lessons and make sure your children do too. Many local parks and recreation departments, community schools and the American Red Cross offer swimming lessons.

- Wear your life jacket when boating. Most boat-related drownings happen to people who can swim, but aren't wearing life vests at the time of the accident.

- Swim with a buddy. Adults can get into trouble in the water and if no one is there to help, drowning can be the outcome.

- Swim in a designated swimming area with lifeguards when ever possible. Do not swim outside designated swimming area markers, and keep an eye on your kids at all times.

- Don't swim from a boat anchored in deep water without a life vest no matter how good of a swimmer you think you are.

- Drowning is often silent, and it occurs within minutes. It often happenswhen help is nearby but non one recognizes the signs of drowning.

- Watch your children carefully at the beach, pool or anytime they are near the water. Children can slip away without you noticing and they are unable to cry out for help while they are drowning. If you are reading a book or chatting with friends, you may not be watching closely enough.

- Don't rely on plastic arm "floaties," or water toys to save your child's life. Those items may deflate and can slip off the wearer. The only flotation device your child should be using is a U.S. Coast Guard approved life vest. Recently-approved child's models include bathing suits with built-in life vests.

- Know how to rescue a drowning person without putting yourself at risk. Throw a floating object or extend something like a paddle, towel or other item to the victim, so if they start to pull you in, you can release it to try another form of rescue. Only attempt a swimming rescue if you are properly trained in lifesaving techniques.

- Call 911 in an emergency. You can always cancel your call if it turns out to be a false alarm. If a person has been totally submerged in water and then recovered, insist they seek medical attention. A small amount of inhaled impure water can cause severe lung infections and even death if untreated.

- Learn child and adult CPR.

- Alcohol and water don't mix. Booze and beer are two of the greatest dangers while swimming or boating. Never drink alcohol while supervising children.

For more tips on boat and water safety, call the DNR Information Center at (651) 296-6157 or toll-free at 1-888-MINNDNR (646-6367).