Summer is officially here which means many individuals and families will be enjoying aquatic activities such as swimming and boating. Although there is always a risk when around water, this year's flooding has created significantly more risk to everyone.
Risks and hazards to be aware of:
*Varying and changed water depths: What once used to be a shallow pond may now be a deep lake.
*Currents: Increased water flow from the flooding has created strong, fast currents. It will be harder to swim in this water, and canoes and kayaks will tip more easily.
*Increased amount of unknown debris in water: The flooding and currents have uplifted trees, devastated lake beds and collected various objects along the way. People can hit their head or get trapped or hurt on one of these foreign objects. If the boat is damaged by debris, boaters may get stranded in the water.
*Wildlife on roads and highways: Wildlife such as deer and porcupines are commonly seen on roads and highways but they do not necessarily wait for vehicles to go by. With the ditches so deep everywhere this year, please slow down. If drivers swerve to miss an animal they could end up not only in the ditch but the vehicle could overturn into the ditch filled with water, trapping and drowning occupants.
To ensure a safe, enjoyable summer around water this year, please keep the following in mind: wear a lifejacket or pfd in boats or around water; stay within arm's reach of preschoolers and do not let young children swim unsupervised; do not mix alcohol and any water-related activity; check the depth of the water before jumping in or diving in; slow down while driving near water; and check with local officials at lakes to learn about the water conditions and any limitations on the lake.
