This weekend will be perfect to enjoy some of the Miami Valley’s local lakes and rivers. Sunshine and warm temperatures are in the forecast from Friday through Sunday.
But, while you’re out enjoying the nice weather, there are a few things you should keep in mind.
Every year, nearly 4,000 people die from drowning in the United States, including boating-related drowning. According the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) “more children ages 1–4 die from drowning than any other cause of death except birth defects”.
There are a few things you can do to stay safe this summer while enjoying the water.
- Always wear a life jacket
- Know what the weather will be like
- Have a boat safety kit
- Have a charged cell phone in case of emergency
- Don’t overload your boat
- Wear sunblock; SPF 30 or higher
Knowing the temperature of the water is also important. According the the National Weather Service (NWS), “cold water drains body heat up to 4 times faster than cold air.”
The National Centers for Environmental Information says the ideal swimming temperature for lakes, rivers, and ponds is above 70 degrees. Anything below that could quickly cause hypothermia.
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