Practice Water Safety Memorial Day and Beyond

The following is a release from the Maryland Department of Natural Resources offering water safety tips:

With Memorial Day weekend and the start of summer right around the corner, many people will be heading outdoors to enjoy our State’s waterways and beaches.

The Maryland Department of Natural Resources (DNR) cautions that these areas will not be staffed with lifeguards until the Memorial Day weekend and urges everyone to be extra vigilant in and around the water.

“We want everyone to be able to enjoy the wonderful outdoor recreational opportunities our State has to offer, but safety is always our first priority,” said DNR Secretary John Griffi in a statement. “We are asking everyone to research their activities before heading outdoors and exercise caution and good judgment when swimming, especially as State Park beaches are not yet guarded.”

The Maryland Natural Resources Police offer the following swimming safety tips:

• Pay special attention to small children and use safety devices such as life jackets on children or other individuals who cannot swim.
• Obey all warning signs that alert swimmers to dangers and be aware of any surrounding signs or markers that indicate current water conditions.
• Never swim alone or while under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
• Carry a cell phone or have other ways of contacting emergency personnel if a situation arises.

If an emergency occurs, immediately call 911 and remember to Reach, Throw, Row and Go:

REACH the person in trouble by extending a releasable item, such as a pole, line or rope to pull them to safety, but not by hand as the rescuer could quickly become another victim.

THROW an object that floats to the victim if they are unreachable. A life ring, PFD, cooler or plastic jug is suitable floating objects that can keep a troubled swimmer afloat until rescues arrive.

ROW to the victim, using a canoe or any other safe watercraft. The rescuer must wear a life jacket. Once the victim is nearby, a rope or paddle should be extended and used to tow the victim to shore if possible.

GO to the victim by entering the water as a last resort and ONLY if properly trained. The rescuer should bring an object to keep the victim afloat and to prevent being pulled under.

Also, last year alone, Maryland had 24 boating deaths; nearly double the 10-year average of 13. Nationwide, approximately 75 to 80 percent of boating deaths are due to drowning, many of which could have been prevented with the use of a life jacket.