by Kevin L. Vaughn
Safety Program Coordinator

Summer, summer, summertime! Yes, it’s time to squeeze into our swimwear and hit the beach wet.

But wait! Are you really ready?

Did you know that each day in the United States, nine people drown? For each death caused by drowning, there are 1 to 4 non-fatal accidents serious enough for the victim to be hospitalized.

May is National Water Safety Month and the City is working with Colin’s Hope to raise awareness. Drowning is a leading cause of accidental injury-related death among children and young adults.

Now, I can swim … like a rock that is. So I’m the guy you see at the shallow end of the pool. Or better yet at the coastline at the beach. Because I know my capabilities and limitations.

You, on the other hand, might be an advanced swimmer. Even so, people drown because they get in over their heads and get tired trying to make it back to safety.

Now let’s talk about boats. When I step on a boat, that life-vest is my best friend. A study teaches us that the leading causes of deaths from boating accidents are drowning. These people drown because of no floatation devices being used. So what can you do?

Here are some safety tips:

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  Follow the rules


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  Keep an eye on your kids


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  Stay within designated swimming areas


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  Know your limits


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  Inspect your vessel to ensure that it’s seaworthy


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  Stock your boat with enough personal flotation devices


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  Wear that life vest when you are on a boat.


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  Go out and have a good time just don’t “Get in over your head”