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Water Safety

Throughout the course of a police officer’s career, they have the unpleasant duties of investigating many drownings. Those that hurt the most are those that involve little children. The trauma and heartbreak of the family, friends, and all involved is a terrible experience to have to witness. At this time of the year, when the temperature is rising along with the playtime in our backyard pools, local reservoirs, the Virgin River, irrigation canals and other waterways, it is a good time to review some basic water safety tips to help us avoid the tragedies that we can.:

•Supervision: The National SAFE KIDS Campaign recommends that parents always supervise children around water. This would include pools, spas, whirlpools, hot tubs, and yes depending on the age of the child, even the bathtub. It only takes a minute for an accident to happen.

•Fencing: All pools should have at least a five-foot-high fence around them with self-closing and self-latching gates.

•Alarms and Covers: Pool alarms and covers can offer an additional layer of protection.

•Neighbors and Friends: Know which of your children’s friends and which of your neighbors have pools. Make sure that your child will be supervised by an adult when visiting.

•Children should learn to swim. Enroll them in swimming lessons when they are ready, which is usually after the age of 4. If you don’t know how to swim, enroll with them.

•Do not let children dive into water unless the child has learned proper diving techniques, an adult is present and the depth of the water is greater than 9 feet.

•Pay attention to open water. Be aware of undercurrents and changing waves and undertows when at the lake, river, or canal.

•Always wear a US Coast Guard-approved life jacket when on the lake boating, water skiing, jet skiing or tubing.

•Empty all wading pools immediately after use. Store them upside-down and out of children’s reach.

•Adults and kids over age 13 should learn infant and child CPR.

Please do not take your vehicles down to the river in the area of Washington Fields Road, respecting the surrounding property owners and for safety concerns.It is everyone’s responsibility to protect our children. Be proactive, take the time to follow these simple safety tips, and prevent an accident from happening.         

                   –Police Department

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