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:
- Opinion: Political motivated violence from the left is replacing discourse at a troubling rateBill Bruch warns that targeted violence against elected officials is replacing political discourse, as attacks on Democrats who break party lines raise serious national concerns.
- Opinion: Tell city officials to keep Vancouver ‘normal’
Amy Harris urges Vancouver residents to speak out against expanding homeless encampments and support stronger public camping regulations to keep the city safe and livable. - Opioid Abatement Council awards $2.75 million to Vancouver Bridge Shelter ProjectThe Clark County Opioid Abatement Council has awarded over $5.3 million in settlement grants, including $2.75 million to support the city of Vancouver’s Bridge Shelter Project near the Vancouver Mall.
- Opinion: The Feds vs. Washington stateNancy Churchill outlines how recent federal actions under Trump-era leadership are challenging Washington state’s progressive policies on energy, elections, education, and transportation.
- Community invited to provide input on Orchards Community Park improvements via online survey
Clark County Public Works is asking for community feedback on planned improvements at Orchards Community Park through an online survey available in multiple languages. - Camas City Councilor Leslie Lewallen visits U.S. Department of Transportation to oppose light rail in I-5 Bridge projectCamas City Councilor Leslie Lewallen visited federal transportation officials in Washington, D.C., to advocate against the proposed light rail component of the I-5 Bridge project.
- C-TRAN board approves service changes to start in fall; hears proposed fare increases for 2026The C-TRAN board has approved fall service changes, introduced safety barrier plans, and began discussions on fare increases proposed for 2026.
