As more people head to the beaches and rivers to cool off amid summer temperatures, Sacramento officials are urging everyone to have a water safety plan to prevent drownings.“We want to remind everyone to put on a life jacket if you’re going to be around the water since it’s the smart thing to do,” Sacramento Fire Department Capt. Justin Sylvia said at a Wednesday news conference. “Remember, have small children in a life jacket and don’t turn your back on them. If you think you’re a good swimmer in a pool situation, you’re really not in this river environment with this fast-moving water. We want everyone to have a good summer, but we want everyone to return safely.”Life jackets are posted at many access points along the local rivers and lakes, and California law requires those under the age of 13 to wear life jackets in any moving recreational vessel. Many Sacramento County fire stations and community organizations also offer life jackets to the public on a loan basis in both children and adult sizes. They can be found here.Fire officials say your water safety plan should also include designating a “water watcher” to keep an eye out for your group and never swim alone. It is also highly encouraged to avoid entering the water after consuming alcohol. “Too often, people come to the rivers, adults and children alike, don’t know the dangers that the water presents,” said Sacramento City Council Member Roger Dickinson, who represents District 2. “When we lose a life on the river, it’s searing because it’s preventable.”Officials say drowning can happen quietly and in a matter of seconds. If you are in danger or notice someone having trouble in the water, call 911 immediately.See more coverage of top California stories here | Download our app | Subscribe to our morning newsletter | Find us on YouTube here and subscribe to our channel | Make KCRA a preferred news source in Google
As more people head to the beaches and rivers to cool off amid summer temperatures, Sacramento officials are urging everyone to have a water safety plan to prevent drownings.
“We want to remind everyone to put on a life jacket if you’re going to be around the water since it’s the smart thing to do,” Sacramento Fire Department Capt. Justin Sylvia said at a Wednesday news conference. “Remember, have small children in a life jacket and don’t turn your back on them. If you think you’re a good swimmer in a pool situation, you’re really not in this river environment with this fast-moving water. We want everyone to have a good summer, but we want everyone to return safely.”
Life jackets are posted at many access points along the local rivers and lakes, and California law requires those under the age of 13 to wear life jackets in any moving recreational vessel.
Many Sacramento County fire stations and community organizations also offer life jackets to the public on a loan basis in both children and adult sizes. They can be found here.
Fire officials say your water safety plan should also include designating a “water watcher” to keep an eye out for your group and never swim alone. It is also highly encouraged to avoid entering the water after consuming alcohol.
“Too often, people come to the rivers, adults and children alike, don’t know the dangers that the water presents,” said Sacramento City Council Member Roger Dickinson, who represents District 2. “When we lose a life on the river, it’s searing because it’s preventable.”
Officials say drowning can happen quietly and in a matter of seconds. If you are in danger or notice someone having trouble in the water, call 911 immediately.
See more coverage of top California stories here | Download our app | Subscribe to our morning newsletter | Find us on YouTube here and subscribe to our channel | Make KCRA a preferred news source in Google