City of Peoria, AZ Press Release - Fire, Police Offer Tips for Water Safety

Warm weather is here, hot temps can’t be far behind

Peoria has already had a water related incident

During 2007 there were 174 water related incidents in Maricopa County, 52 resulted in deaths, 38 adults and 14 children, it’s the time of the year when you really have to think about water safety, even if you don’t own a pool.

Here are some water safety reminders:

BLOCK:

Have required barriers around your pool.
Keep toilet lids closed.
Have self-closing, self-latching doors and locks on windows that access the pool.

WATCH:

Constant eye-to-eye supervision of all non-swimmers is the only way to truly prevent a drowning.

LEARN:

Have the non-swimmers learn to swim, call 623-773-7137 for more information.
Learn CPR, even if you don’t have a pool as you never know when you’ll need it.

Other water safety ideas:

Assign a designated CHILD WATCHER, the person’s only job is to watch swimmers and not be involved in anything else like reading, napping or enganging in a conversation that will take away the attention from the people in the water.
Have rescue equipment available.
Have a telephone outside by the pool.
Don’t leave buckets or pails filled with any liquid.
Never run around the pool.

-more-

This is also the time of the year that we crank up the boat and head for fun on the water but remember:

Warning: Carbon Monoxide is poisoning boaters!

Facts:

Carbon Monoxide is an odorless, colorless gas produced by boat engines, generators, and stoves. Boat exhaust is equal to the exhaust of 188 cars.
High concentrations of carbon monoxide are found around decks as well as under and around swim platforms.
Carbon monoxide can drift from other boats.

Safety tips:

Do not swim near or under the back deck or swim platform.
Do not allow teak surfing, dragging or water skiing within 20 feet of a moving watercraft.
Avoid anchoring or riding along side of another boat while engines are running.
Assign an adult to watch anyone swimming or playing in the water.
Learn the signs of carbon monoxide poisoning: irritated eyes, headache, nausea, weakness or dizziness. Very sililar to over exposure to the sun.
Do not idle when people are near the rear platform.
Wear life jackets or ski vests.
If symptoms do occur, move the person to fresh air; get medical help if necessary.
ALWAYS have a designated driver for the boat, watercraft and vehicles as the DUI laws apply to watercraft just like vehicles.

This time of the year should be the most enjoyable but it also can be the most deadly. By working together we can keep it a safe 2008.

City of Peoria Press Release