Twin Cities Sees Deadly 4th Of July Weekend On The Water

TWIN CITIES, MN — At least three people died in separate drowning incidents over the 4th of July weekend in the Twin Cities. The drownings occurred after what had already been a deadly summer on the water in Minnesota.

• A 26-year-old man from Apple Valley drowned in Lake Minnetonka at Commons Beach on Thursday night.
• A 28-year-old man drowned in Lake Marion in Lakeville on Sunday.
• A man from Brooklyn Park drowned in the St. Croix River on Monday night.

Outside of the metro, in Kandiyohi County, a fisher drowned while trying to retrieve a bobber Sunday.

Earlier in the week, on Wednesday, a 15-year-old boy died in a jet ski crash on Lake Minnetonka.

Pool Safety: Tips To Prevent Drowning

Here are six tips provided by PoolSafely.gov to help ensure that swimming pools stay safe:

1. Never leave a child unattended in or near water.
The public education campaign also recommends that parents and caregivers remain alert even if there is a lifeguard on duty.

2. Teach children how to swim.
"Swimming is not only fun, it's a lifesaving skill."

3. Teach children to stay away from drains.
Children's hair, limbs, jewelry or bathing suits can all get stuck in a drain or suction opening. Make sure to locate the drains before getting into the pool.

4. Ensure all pools and spas you visit have compliant drain covers.
Powerful suction from a pool or spa drain is enough to trap even an adult.

5. Install proper barriers, covers and alarms on and around your pool and spa.
"A fence of at least 4 feet in height should surround the pool or spa on all sides and should not be climbable for children. The water should only be accessible through a self-closing, self-latching gate."

6. Know how to perform CPR on children and adults.
Learning cardiopulmonary resuscitation can help save a life.