COLUMN: Summer water fun safety reminder

   As summer rushes into full swing, many of us are heading to area rivers, streams, lakes, ponds, and pools to cool off. Swimming, fishing, canoeing, boating, and wading are all common water activities. While we enjoy the water, safety should always be a top priority.

   Make sure you are familiar with the water you choose to recreate on. You should know the depth and be aware of underwater hazards. Know the locations of dams, wing dams, rock piles, portages, fences, underwater obstacles, and rapids.

   Be aware that brush, fallen trees, bridge pilings, or anything else that allows the water current to pass around or through it can become a “strainer” and can pin a watercraft or person to that obstacle. Steer clear of these areas. Never swim, boat, canoe, or wade near a dam. Recirculating currents near dams can trap and drown victims in mere minutes.

   Before heading out on the water, make sure your equipment and watercraft are in good working condition and make sure you have the appropriate personal flotation devices (life jackets). If you are swimming or wading in a local river or stream, make sure to wear footwear and clothing that can easily be discarded if it becomes entangled in a tree or obstacle. Don’t wear items with long strings that are more likely to entrap you.

   On rivers and streams pay attention to the water level and current. Remember that when the river is high a float trip will be faster and when the water is low it will take much longer. Adjust your beginning time and estimated end time based on the water levels. Make sure your group is off the water before the sun sets. Tubing takes considerably longer than kayaking. Also be aware of quickly changing water and weather conditions. Rivers and streams can be flashy and rise rapidly in the event of heavy rainfall.

   Never dive into a river from the riverbank or bridges. Obstacles in a river can move and river levels can change. Every year people are paralyzed from blunt trauma to their heads and spines by diving into shallow water or hitting underwater obstacles.

   Make sure to tell someone where you are going and when you will return. Never mix alcohol and drugs with water fun. The outcome can and often does make headlines.

   Families heading to Iowa beaches should always have someone on shore keeping a close eye on family members in the water. Don’t swim during bad weather or after a heavy rainfall event, and always stay within designated beach areas. Check the Iowa DNR beach monitoring site https://www.iowadnr.gov/things-to-do/beach-monitoring for the past week’s bacteria count levels – remember there is a delay between when the water sample is taken and when the results are posted.

   It’s simple to follow these water safety guidelines to make sure you and your family have a safe and fun summer season on and in Iowa’s waters.