MANHATTAN, Kan.— While water safety month may have passed, there is no time like the present to learn a few tips about water safety.
So far, there have been six drownings in the Kansas City District in the past five months. Tragedies like these can be prevented by knowing the facts about water safety. Let’s work together to make this a safe and fun summer on the water!
Beginning with some statistics, most drownings occur with males, ages 16 to 35. Alcohol is involved in over 50 percent of all drowning and boating accidents. Also, two-thirds of people who drown never intended to be in the water in the first place. Below are some water safety tips for boating and swimming.
One of the most common boating violations we come across is inaccessible life jackets. Here are some important rules about life jackets and boating. Life jackets must be readily available when boating. This means that life jackets cannot be stowed when the boat is on the water. They must be out of compartments or storage bags. This same regulation goes for any type IV throwable flotation device. It is mandatory for children 12 and younger and highly recommended for adults to always wear a life jacket while boating. Here at Tuttle Creek we offer a life jacket loaner program. The life jacket loaner board is located by the fee booth at Tuttle Creek Cove park, and life jackets are free to borrow.
The most important rule of water safety is to learn how to swim. Most drownings occur with 10 to 30 feet of safety, so it is always important to swim with a buddy or adult supervision. Never rely on toys such as inner tubes or water wings to stay afloat. Life jackets are specifically designed to keep a person afloat.
Most people think that a person who is drowning will scream for help when in fact it is very hard for a drowning victim to make any noise at all. Learn to recognize the four signs of drowning; head back, mouth open, no sound and arms slapping the water in an up and down motion.
With this information in mind, we encourage everyone to go out and have a safe and fun summer on the water and remember to always wear a life jacket.
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Release no. PA-2014-25