| OSMB News |
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| Wednesday, June 28, 2006 |
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Holiday Heat, Water Retreat – Wear a Life Jacket
For Immediate Release
When the weather heats up, and there’s a long holiday, people flock to our state’s waterways where it’s cool and comfortable. The Oregon State Marine Board wants to remind boaters and swimmers to be especially careful when recreating around the water.
“Drowning is the second leading cause of child fatalities, and we’ve already lost several children and adults this year,” says Ashley Massey, public affairs specialist for the Marine Board. “Don’t let a fun weekend escape turn into a tragedy. If you’re going on the water to cool off, go prepared. Wear a life jacket. Children 12 and under are required to wear a life jacket when in a boat, but it’s equally important to have them wearing one if they are wading near the shore of our rivers and lakes. Kids can find themselves in deep, cold water in the blink of an eye.”
Massey offers other reminders when in or around the water:
- If you see someone in trouble in the water, do not go after them. Many times the rescuer becomes the drowning victim. Throw something to the person that floats, like an empty cooler or float cushion and call for help.
- When swimming in cold water, short-term swim failure can occur anywhere from 3-30 minutes and can lead to drowning. Muscles and nerves in the arms and legs cool quickly. Manual dexterity, hand grip strength, and speed of movement can all drop by 60-80 percent. Even normally strong people can lose the strength necessary to pull themselves out of the water or even to keep their head above water.
- Keep the alcohol at home and away from the water. Alcohol impairs judgment and awareness, so you may take risks you normally wouldn’t or you may be unaware if someone in your party is missing. Alcohol is involved in one-third of all boating accidents in Oregon, which includes boat operators and passengers.
Even one fatality is too many. It’s an easy choice: Wear a life jacket, boat sober and make Oregon ’s Fourth of July weekend the safest on record.
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