FRESNO, Calif. (KFSN) — According to the California Water Safety Coalition, nearly half of all drowning deaths occur between now and August. For the third year, the Fresno County Sheriff’s Office is planning to distribute nearly 300 life jackets to the community.<\/p>\n
Officials emphasize a simple message: Those who do not know how to swim should stay out of the water.<\/p>\n
As temperatures climb, crowds are heading to rivers and lakes across Central California to cool off. Millerton Lake was busy on a recent Tuesday evening, with people swimming and relaxing on boats.<\/p>\n
“You never know what’s in the water. Just to be safe out here and have a good time,” said Fresno resident Rene Jackson.<\/p>\n
With increased activity on the water, the sheriff’s office said safety is a top priority.<\/p>\n
“Our goal is that if you get in the water, you’re going to wear a lifejacket,” said Fresno County Sheriff John Zanoni.<\/p>\n
Zanoni said the department has 283 life jackets ready for distribution.<\/p>\n
“So we have 283 life jackets, almost 300 here, we are going to distribute out into our community,” he said.<\/p>\n
Several near-drowning incidents have already been reported this month. Earlier in June, a toddler nearly drowned at Millerton Lake before being pulled from the water by family members. Video from Fresno Watersports shows first responders treating the child. In Tulare County, deputies responded to multiple water rescues, including one involving a 9-year-old girl pulled from Lake Kaweah.<\/p>\n
Zanoni warned that natural waterways can be more dangerous than they appear.<\/p>\n
“People may be comfortable swimming in shallow water. Maybe comfortable swimming in a pool. But when you get out in these areas, the temperature of the water is much different than your backyard pool,” he said.<\/p>\n
Drowning is a leading cause of injury-related death among children under 5 and can happen quickly and quietly.<\/p>\n
“Babies and toddlers, they can drown in very small amounts of water,” said Hailey Van Sickle, a Clinical Educator for Critical Care with Valley Children’s Hospital.<\/p>\n
Health experts encourage parents, especially those with children who have special needs, to help kids get comfortable wearing life jackets.<\/p>\n
“Putting the life jacket on them and then allowing them to run through the sprinklers. Spraying them down with a hose. Getting them used to being wet while wearing the product could be very helpful,” Van Sickle said.<\/p>\n
With the Fourth of July approaching, officials also advise making sure life jackets are Coast Guard-approved and properly fitted.<\/p>\n
The Fresno County Sheriff’s Office will distribute the life jackets Saturday starting at 10 a.m. at several locations, including Skaggs Bridge Park, Lost Lake, Avocado Lake and Laton-Kingston Park.<\/p>\n
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