For immediate release: May 26, 2010 (10-086)
Contact:
Mary
Borges, Safe Kids Washington
360-236-2861
Gordon MacCracken,
Communications Office 360-236-4072
Prevent tragedies on
the water this Memorial Day weekend, all summer
Supervise children playing near water; always wear a life jacket
OLYMPIA
¾ Swimming and boating can be fun for the entire family — as long as safety and
avoiding disaster come first. In 2008, 100 people drowned in Washington waters;
men are three times more likely than women to drown in the state.
In May and early June, lakes and rivers across the state can be particularly
dangerous. Unless you’re highly experienced or with a professional touring group
you should stay away from rivers during this time. Professionals know the rivers
and will know the locations of treacherous logjams, which are common in the
spring.
“Drowning is a tragedy that often can be
prevented,” says Mary Borges, Safe Kids Washington coalition director. “It
starts with each boater. Everyone who gets on a boat should wear a life jacket
that’s approved by the U.S. Coast Guard. Making it a habit could save your
life.”
Washington waters are cold enough to cause hypothermia even on the hottest
summer day; it can weaken the strongest swimmer. Know your limits — drowning
often happens when someone tires while swimming.
Always wear a life jacket around water bodies and on boats. Make sure it fits
properly. State law says all
children 12 and under must wear a Coast Guard-approved life jacket or vest on
all vessels 19 feet and under.
Parents can teach children by example when it comes to boating and water safety.
According to a Safe Kids Worldwide study released in 2005, kids are much more
likely to practice safe habits when they see similar behavior by parents and
caregivers.
“Parents can really influence their
kids. They’ll see and embrace your safety habits,” says Borges. Parents should
keep children within immediate reach when near any type of water, and
always properly supervise them.
River boaters should know and practice river rescue techniques. They should know
how to handle water craft with proper use of motors, paddles, and oars. Boaters
should also be trained in rescue skills, first aid and CPR, and should be able
to recognize and treat hypothermia — a condition in which a person’s body
temperature drops well below normal.
Symptoms of hypothermia may include uncontrolled shivering, slow or unclear
speech, confusion, and unconsciousness. The very young and elderly are more
likely to develop hypothermia. It can develop very quickly in cold waters.
Ways to
prevent hypothermia (www.doh.wa.gov/phepr/generalfactsheets/hypothermia.pdf)
are on the Department of Health’s Web site.
Alcohol use while swimming and boating is a bad idea. Drinking alcohol can also
make a person more vulnerable to hypothermia.
More information about drowning prevention (www.seattlechildrens.org/classes-community/community-programs/drowning-prevention)
is available online.###
