Leaders Urge River Safety

, local government officials are urging visitors to the Rappahannock River to be safe on the water this holiday weekend. 

A press release issued by Stafford County yesterday warns would-be Memorial Day river users to wear a personal floatation device or life vest if they enter the Rappahannock. Stafford County provides PFD's to river-goers free of charge at the Historic Port of Falmouth Park. 

"The river can be deadly to those who are not familiar with it," said Stafford County Administrator Anthony Romanello. "Anyone who must enter the river needs to practice safety at all times, which includes wearing a personal floatation device if an individual must go into the water.”

Officials say the banks of the Rappahannock are swollen following recent rains, and that conditions could be treacherous for boaters, swimmers and waders alike. 

Since 1972, 85 people have met their end in the Rappahannock. The last river death in the area happened in June of 2008. 

According to Fredericksburg police records, in 2008 city rescue units responded to seven water rescues. In 2009, the number jumped to 42. Last year, the number declined to 26. So far this year, as of the end of April, the city has responded to seven river distress calls.

Along the shores near Fredericksburg, a water rescue situation is almost always is a dual-jurisdiction response, with rescue units from both Stafford County and the City of Fredericksburg deployed to their respective shores. The Fredericksburg Fire Department deploys a motorized rescue boat from City Dock. 

“Strong currents are moving debris such as tree banches downstream to areas popular with visitors, and people can get tangled in them if they are in the water,” said Fredericksburg City Manager Beverly Cameron. “Slippery rocks have also caused injuries and deaths. It is much safer to stay out of the river.”

The press release listed the following water safety tips and emergency guidelines:

In Case of a Water Emergency

•  Call 9-1-1 immediately.
•  No additional people should enter the water to lend assistance to those in distress. Remember: “Reach or throw – don’t go.”
•  Call 9-1-1 and identify the location of the emergency with as much information as possible.

General Water Safety

•  Learn to swim. The best thing anyone can do to stay safe in and around the water is to learn to swim. Always swim with a friend; never swim alone.
•  Swim in areas supervised by a lifeguard.
•  Read and obey all rules and posted signs.
•  Set water safety rules for the whole family based on swimming abilities (for example, inexperienced swimmers should stay in water less than chest deep).

River Safety

• Be aware! The river bottom is uneven and may drop off suddenly. Strong tides and currents can turn an event that began as fun into a tragedy.
• Wear shoes – there may be broken glass on the bottom.
• Do not dive into the water. Too many swimmers are seriously injured every year by entering headfirst into water that is too shallow. A feet-first entry is much safer than diving.
• Everyone should wear life jackets at all times.

Beach Safety

•  Protect your skin: Sunlight contains two kinds of UV rays - UVA increases the risk of skin cancer, skin aging, and other skin diseases.
•  Drink plenty of water regularly and often, even if you do not feel thirsty. Your body needs water to keep cool.
•  Watch for signs of heat stroke. Heat stroke is life threatening.

Home Pool Safety

•  Never leave a child unobserved around water. Your eyes must be on the child at all times. Adult supervision is always recommended.
•  Install a phone by the pool or keep a cordless phone nearby so that you can call 9-1-1 in an emergency.
•  Learn Red Cross CPR and insist that babysitters, grandparents, and others who care for your child know CPR.
•  Post CPR instructions and 9-1-1 or your local emergency number in the pool area.