Fire official offers simple guidelines to prevent water-related accidents
Chris Drone, fire marshal
Clark County Fire District 3
The weather is warming up and more people are out enjoying our beautiful lakes, rivers and beaches. As you head out this summer, we want you to be safe and know how to prevent an unintentional drowning.
Drowning is a leading cause of death for young children, but drowning does not discriminate, and no one is “drown-proof.” Enjoying the water, though, does not have to result in tragedy. In fact, most water-related accidents can be avoided by following a few simple guidelines:
- Wear a life jacket
- Don’t dive into unknown bodies of water, shallow water, or off bridges or cliffs
- Area lakes and rivers are cold enough to shock or immobilize even the strongest swimmers
- Know your limits; drownings often occur when swimmers get tired
- Don’t swim alone
- Swim in designated areas only; “no swimming” signs means the water isn’t safe for swimming
- Keep children in your sights at all times; drownings can happen quickly and silently
- Call 9-1-1 immediately if someone is in trouble
Being aware of your situation and following these guidelines makes a huge difference. Please enjoy the water safely this summer.
Also read:
- Leslie Lewallen stays and fights for Washington as director of Future 42 Clark County
Former Camas City Councilor Leslie Lewallen is leading the Clark County chapter of Future 42, a new organization focused on policy advocacy, accountability, and engaging persuadable voters at the local and state level. - Opinion: ‘Seeking might over right destroys representative government’
Retired judge Dave Larson argues that prioritizing political power over constitutional principles has undermined representative government and calls for renewed civic responsibility. - Letter: ‘Immigration’ resolution scheduled for this Wednesday at Clark County Council Meeting
Rob Anderson urges residents to closely watch an upcoming Clark County Council meeting where an immigration-related resolution and proposed rule changes are expected to be discussed. - Opinion: The 1700-square-foot solution to Washington’s housing crisis
An opinion column arguing that Washington’s energy code has driven up housing costs and outlining how HB 2486 aims to limit those impacts for smaller, more affordable homes. - Rep. John Ley’s new bill calls for an independent audit of Interstate 5 Bridge Replacement Project
Rep. John Ley introduced legislation requiring an independent audit of the Interstate 5 Bridge Replacement Project to review costs, management, and oversight. - Letter: Public school vision
Clark County resident Larry Roe urges a deeper community discussion about public school priorities, levy funding, and the long-term affordability of education for local families. - County Charter Review Commission sets meeting schedule, selects officers
The Clark County Charter Review Commission set a weekly meeting schedule beginning Feb. 4 and selected officers as it begins its review of the county charter.
