Hot Days Ahead, Cool off Safely

Memorial Day may have been last weekend, but according to the National Weather Service, this is looking like the first week of summer weather—a great time for a swim, as long as it's safe.   

There is a slight chance of rain Sunday after 2 p.m., until then, expect mostly sunny skies and temperatures in the high-80s. The chance for rain increases significantly Sunday night, when showers and thunderstorms are likely after 8 p.m. and temperatures drop to the high-60s.

With temperatures like these, it’s tempting to go jump in the nearest body of water to cool off. As this week’s drowning in Laurel and  however, not all bodies of water are safe – or legal – to swim in. 

Crews recovered the body of 15-year-old Victor Manuel Videla-Hernandez from the water at Scott's Cove in Howard County on Monday hours after bystanders heard him cry for help. Swimming is prohibited in Scott’s Cove.

And the day before, the Montgomery County Fire and Rescue Service filmed a water safety video, crews had to assist a group of four who had been overtaken by strong currents.

In response to Victor-Hernandez’s death, the Howard County Department of Fire and Rescue Services sent out these tips for safe swimming: 

• Never swim alone, use the buddy system.
• Never let children play around water unsupervised.
• Do not swim in areas where swimming is prohibited or there is no life guard.
• Make sure that children and inexperienced swimmers use U.S. Coast Guard approved life jackets both in and around the water.
• Do not drink alcohol if you plan on swimming.
• Just because the air is warm does not mean the water is. Hypothermia can set in quickly and cause even an experienced swimmer to become disoriented and unable to tread water.