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PUBLIC SERVICE ANNOUNCMENT
Safety Tips
for a Weekend on the Water
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: July 11, 2014
CONTACT: Shari Ireton, Director of Communications
425-388-3377, Shari.Ireton@co.snohomish.wa.us
Media line: 425-249-6263
Summer in Snohomish County means fishing,
kayaking, rafting and other activities. The Snohomish County Sheriff’s Office
offers these tips to enjoy the water safely:
·
Always wear a life jacket. Life
jackets are available at many Snohomish County parks.
·
Know your limits. Don’t attempt a
section of the water beyond your skill level.
·
Expect the unexpected. Currents in
rivers change every season; currents in lakes change throughout the day. Debris
moves around creating new snags and strainers. Be aware of drop-offs at the
water’s edge.
·
Don’t boat or swim under the
influence. Operating a boat under the influence of alcohol or marijuana is
illegal and puts you and others on the waterways at risk. Swimming under
the influence is incredibly dangerous.
·
Don’t dive in. Two-thirds of
catastrophic neck injuries occur in open water and the sea.
·
Beach logs, river banks and rocks
near the shore are usually slippery. A fall can knock you unconscious and
prevent you from being able to save yourself.
·
Consider bringing a whistle. If you
are in trouble, it could help alert nearby people.
·
Keep kids within arm's reach.
Drowning is the third leading cause of unintentional injury-related death among
children ages 14 and under.
"We encourage people to have fun but to pay
extra attention to others on the water and as always, wear your life jacket,
and know and follow the boating laws," said Lt. Rodney Rochon, who leads
the Sheriff’s Office Marine Service Unit.
For child safety and life jacket information
(including a 25% coupon for any life jacket at participating Big 5 Sports
locations), go to www.snosafekids.org.
For detailed information on life jackets and
other requirements, download or view the Washington State Parks Adventures in
Boating Handbook at www.boat-ed.com/washington/handbook.
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