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Monday, May 19, 2008 Red Cross reminds swimmers and boaters to be vigilant about water safety The pre-summer season can be the most dangerous time In light of the four water-related deaths over the weekend, the American Red Cross of Greater Kansas City wants to remind the public to be especially careful on and in the water during spring and early summer because the water hasn’t reached its peak temperature. “Many people don’t realize how cold the water is during May and early June,” said Kathie Edwards, Red Cross aquatics program manager. “They don’t realize how bad of a shock water that is less than 65 degrees can be on the body. Even the strongest swimmers can drown under those conditions.” Tips for water safety: Always wear a Coast Guard-approved life jacket when boating, rafting and fishing. Approximately 80 percent of boating fatalities in the U.S. are caused by drowning. Most of these drowning accidents would not have occurred if the boater had been wearing a Coast Guard-approved life jacket. Wear a wet suit in cold water to help prevent hypothermia. Alcohol and boating don't mix. The Coast Guard reports that more than half of drowning accidents from boating involve alcohol. Develop a float plan. Anytime you go out in a boat, give a responsible person details about where you will be and how long you will be gone. This is important because if the boat is delayed because of an emergency, or encounters other problems, help can more quickly reach you. Carry basic safety equipment. Regardless of the type of boat, carry basic safety equipment: life jackets for each person on board; a portable personal flotation device; tow line; extra paddle/oar; a bailing device; a distress signal (whistle); fire extinguisher and first aid kit. Select a supervised area. A trained lifeguard who can help in an emergency is the best safety factor. Even great swimmers can have an unexpected medical emergency in the water. Never swim alone. Be knowledgeable of the water environment you are in and its potential hazards, such as deep and shallow areas, currents, depth changes, obstructions and where the entry and exit points are located. Maintain constant supervision of children around any water environment (pool, stream, lake, tub, toilet, bucket of water); no matter what skills your child has acquired and no matter how shallow the water. For younger children, practice "Reach Supervision" by staying within an arm's length reach. Learn more about water safety (Red Cross Aquatics Manager Kathie Edwards has more than 30 years of experience in the aquatics field. She is an expert in boating and canoeing safety as well as lifeguard training. Back to News American Red Cross Greater Kansas City Chapter 211 W. Armour Blvd. Kansas City, MO 64111 USA         Phone 816-931-8400 Fax 816-531-7306 © 2003-2008 The American Red Cross. All Rights Reserved. Terms of Use | Privacy Policy