Summer boating recreation season is upon us and in the interior temperatures can easily hang in the 80s for days at a time. The warm weather often results in people recreating on and around various lakes and rivers to help keep cool. While out recreating we should all be aware of the dangers and risks involved. In the past couple weeks in the Fairbanks area, two children have died in waterways. Last year, four individuals were lost to drowning in the Chena River alone. In light of these tragedies, the Alaska Wildlife Troopers would like to remind everyone of some basic safety rules while being in and around water.

• State law dictates that a personal flotation device must be worn by children 13 years of age and younger while on the open deck of a boat. Troopers encourage people of all ages to wear life jackets when in open boats and on open decks.

• If adults see unattended children around water, please take a moment to check on them. If a parent or guardian is not located please contact the local authorities to ensure the welfare of the child.

• If young children are playing around water, such as on a dock on the banks of a river, please make sure they are closely monitored and they have an adequate flotation device, such as water wings or a life jacket, on their body. Young children commonly do not sound any alarm, such as screaming or splashing, when they get in a water emergency. 

• Cold water can kill anyone within a short amount of time even if they know how to swim.

 
Children are not the only victims of drowning, they don’t even make up the largest category of drowning deaths. Years of statistics show that adult males succumb in a water accident more than any other user group.  When Alaska Wildlife Troopers operate on the water, they wear personal flotation devises at all times. Not only does it help keep our troopers safe, it serves a positive reminder to those we come into contact with that no one should be too proud or too cool to wear a life vest.  We encourage other adults to set a good example for not only children, but other adults.

Accidents do happen, to include falling into the water. These accidents don’t have to result in a death. Being properly outfitted and constantly vigilant are our best defenses against water related deaths. Even if adults and children are strong swimmers, they may succumb quickly due to the effects of cold water immersion in Alaska’s waters.[xyz-ihs snippet=”Adsense-responsive”]

  children, drowning, lakes, rivers, safety, summer, swimming, water