The current heat wave and the holiday weekend will likely mean larger crowds for area lakes, rivers and swimming pools. For people planning to enjoy water recreation, the Hennepin County Sheriff’s Office reminds you to remain vigilant about safety precautions.
This year, there have been seven accidental drownings and 12 near-drownings in Hennepin County. The Sheriff’s Office is reminding parents and caregivers about drowning facts:
· For children ages 1-4, drowning is the leading cause of accidental death. For toddlers and all non-swimmers, parents should maintain “touch supervision” and remain within arm’s reach of their child.
· Males are victims of drowning four times as often as females. (Source: U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention)
· Drowning is silent. You will not hear splashing and yelling. Victims typically slip underwater quietly. Parents need to maintain visual contact with their children who are in the water—or near the water.
Drowning or serious brain injury happens quickly – often in a matter of minutes. If anyone fails to re-surface from the water or any person is struggling in the water – please call 911 immediately.
Safety reminders for boating:
* Boaters should slow down and make an extra effort to act in a courteous manner on crowded lakes and rivers.
* Designate a sober boat operator prior to your day of boating. So far this year, there have been 43 Boating While Intoxicated arrests in Hennepin County. A BWI will affect your driving record.
* State law requires that children under age 10 must wear a life jacket while the boat is underway. It is highly recommended that all children wear life jackets during boating.
* State law requires that life jackets are readily accessible for all people on board the boat.
* Be aware of boat propellers. People who are re-entering the boat, have been injured by props.
Safety reminders for swimming:
WATCH—your kids
* In 70 percent of cases where young children drowned, one or both parents were nearby. Being nearby isn’t enough. Parents must avoid distractions such as using cell phones or talking with other adults.
* Parent supervision is needed even when there are lifeguards on duty.
WEAR—a life jacket
* Weak swimmers or non-swimmers may wear life jackets in swimming pools and any body of water. Adult supervision is still needed.
* Do not rely on water wings or other inflatable devices.
LEARN—to swim & learn about safety
* Learn to swim. Kids and adults must know how to swim in the Land of 10,000 Lakes.
* Learn about safety equipment – keep a shepherd’s hook near a pool. Hand the hook to the struggling person so they can be pulled to safety. Remember that a struggling person may put a rescuer at risk by pulling them down into the water.
* Learn about safety precautions for residential and backyard kiddie pools.
*Learn CPR.
* Learn about safety precautions with backyard kiddie pools.
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