It's not just the heat, dry conditions and fireworks that are worrying emergency crews this weekend. It's the odds of children and teens drowning.
For children and teenagers, drowning is the second leading cause of accidental deaths. And alcohol is a factor in half the drownings of young men.
Police and fire officials warn that the rivers and lakes in our region may look like the perfect place to take a dip, but they are still cold, fast, and clogged with debris from the winter.
Children should always wear a life jacket on the water; in fact, its the law. Children under 12 must wear a lifejacket in a boat under 19 feet in length. There must be a jacket on board for every adult, too.
Safe Summer Tips:
Never swim alone
If alcohol is a part of the event, name a designated driver
Wear lifejackets - some fire stations and swimming pools loan them, the Coast Guard occasionally gives them away
Be cautious diving
Learn CPR
Only swim where there is a lifeguard on duty
For children and teenagers, drowning is the second leading cause of accidental deaths. And alcohol is a factor in half the drownings of young men.
Police and fire officials warn that the rivers and lakes in our region may look like the perfect place to take a dip, but they are still cold, fast, and clogged with debris from the winter.
Children should always wear a life jacket on the water; in fact, its the law. Children under 12 must wear a lifejacket in a boat under 19 feet in length. There must be a jacket on board for every adult, too.
Safe Summer Tips:
Never swim alone
If alcohol is a part of the event, name a designated driver
Wear lifejackets - some fire stations and swimming pools loan them, the Coast Guard occasionally gives them away
Be cautious diving
Learn CPR
Only swim where there is a lifeguard on duty
