Fall City Fire
District 27
Wants You to Stay Safe this Summer
Water Safety Tips:
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On average there are 23 drowning deaths
in King County annually, 60% occur in open waters like rivers, lakes
and the Puget Sound. Don’t let it be you! Wear your life vest
when recreating near or in water; even the most experienced swimmers can
get into trouble.
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Set limits with your children;
where they can swim, who is supervising them, and what they should have
with them. Just because they’re with a group of friends does not mean
they can rescue each other if someone gets into trouble.
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Never leave a young child
unattended near water and teach children to always ask permission to go
near water, it only takes 20-60 seconds for a child to submerge without
warning. When possible swim where lifeguards are present.
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Know your limits!
If you’re not a good swimmer or you’re just learning to
swim, don’t go in water that’s so deep you can’t touch the bottom. Learn
how to swim and upgrade your skills each year with swimming lessons.
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Know the water!
The local rivers are cold enough to cause hypothermia
even on the hottest summer day; hypothermia can weaken even the
strongest swimmer. The rivers may appear safe but many dangers lurk
everywhere, logs, debris, undertows, and changing currents can be very
dangerous!
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A swimming hole
that is safe at low water flows may be unsafe with strong currents
during high water flows. Stop and think every time you go!
Do not assume that, because it was safe last summer or last week, that
it is safe now! Do not let peer pressure get you into a situation you
cannot deal with!
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Alcohol and Water Don’t Mix!
Alcohol is one of the biggest dangers while
swimming, boating or enjoying any water sports. Never use or allow
alcohol during water activities.
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Wear a life Jacket!
Children and inexperienced swimmers should always wear a Coast Guard
approved life jacket when around water. It can save their life!
The fire departments in the Snoqualmie Valley know to well the dangers
of our rivers, they may look inviting and cool, but logs debris, and
undertows are present and very dangerous. Life Jackets are required on King County
rivers effective July 1, 2011 through October 1, 2011.
King County Emergency
Ordinance 2011-0276
Requiring
Life Jackets to be used on major King County Rivers will take effect on July 1, 2011;
This will require
anyone swimming, rafting, boating or entering the unincorporated areas
of the Snoqualmie, South Fork of the Skykomish, Tolt,
Cedar, Green, White, Raging, and Sammamish Rivers to wear a Coast Guard
approved life jacket, though the
2011 Summer Season.
For more information ..........
By law, (RCW 79A.60.160) children ages
12 or younger must wear a Coast Guard approved life jacket
on
all
vessels 19 feet or shorter. All vessel (including rafts, canoes and
kayaks) must have at least one
USGC–approved Type I, II, or III life
jacket (PFD) for each person on board.
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