Information provided by the Hennepin County Sheriff's Office.
The July 4th holiday is typically the busiest time of the year for lakes, rivers, and swimming pools across Hennepin County. During the holiday, the Hennepin County Sheriff’s Office is urging people to stay safe while enjoying water-related recreation such as boating and swimming.
Create a safety plan in advance and review the rules with your family members. Take time to create a safety plan prior to boating or swimming and have any needed safety equipment, such as life jackets, ready to go. Parents need to maintain visual contact with their children who are in the water -- or near the water.
“Your holiday weekend of boating and swimming should be relaxing and enjoyable,” said Hennepin County Sheriff Rich Stanek, “That’s why it’s important to wear life jackets and to practice safety precautions to keep everyone safe while enjoying water recreation.”
If a child is missing, please check any nearby area of water first. Drowning or serious brain injury happens quickly – often in a matter of minutes. If anyone fails to re-surface from the water or any person is having trouble in the water – please call 911 immediately.
Safety reminders for boating:
· Boaters should ensure they designate a sober boat operator prior to their day of boating.
· Due to higher water, boaters should manage their wake responsibly. Channels, shorelines, and docks are among the areas for minimum wakes. Learn the rules for the lake where you will be boating.
· Life jackets are required by law to be worn by children under age 10 when the boat is underway.
· Life jackets are required by law to be readily available for all persons on board.
· It is recommended that boaters of ALL AGES wear a life jacket while boating.
· A fire extinguisher and a throwable device are also required on board every boat.
· Be aware of boat propellers. People who are re-entering the boat, have been injured by props.
Safety reminders for swimming:
WATCH – your kids
· In 70% of cases where young children drowned, one or both parents were nearby. Being nearby isn’t enough. Parents must avoid distractions such as using cell phones or talking with other adults.
· Parent supervision is needed even when there are lifeguards on duty.
WEAR – a life jacket
· Weak swimmers and non-swimmers may wear life jackets in lakes, swimming pools, and any body of water. Adult supervision is still needed.
· Do not rely on water wings or other inflatable devices.
LEARN -- to swim & learn more
· Learn to swim. Kids and adults must know how to swim in the Land of 10,000 Lakes.
· Learn about safety equipment – keep a shepherd’s hook near a pool for rescues.
· Learn about safety precautions for residential and backyard kiddie pools.
· Learn CPR.
· Learn more about water safety.
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