Clark County Public Health is warning people to be cautious in and around water, especially area lakes and rivers, as high temperatures are expected in the weeks ahead.
During spring and early summer, lakes and rivers in Southwest Washington remain cold and water may be moving swiftly. Dr. Alan Melnick, Clark County health officer and Public Health director, emphasized that even strong swimmers can be immobilized by the cold water.
To ensure safe swimming and recreation in all bodies of water this weekend and throughout the summer, Public Health recommends the following tips for people of all ages:
• Know your limits to avoid drowning due to fatigue
• Avoid fast-flowing waters, such as rivers and ocean beaches with riptides
• Do not swim alone
• Children should be supervised by adults and distractions should be avoided when they are swimming or around water
• Wear a life jacket, which is mandatory for children aged 12 years and younger on vessels of 18 feet or smaller
• Do not drink alcohol or use marijuana when swimming or boating
• Do not dive into shallow water or jump off bridges or cliffs
• Swim only in designated swimming areas with visible signs indicating when and where it is safe to swim
• Enroll children in swim lessons early and often to teach them the skills required to stay safe in and around water
