Yuma, Arizona - Now that warmer temperatures have arrived, for many Yumans water recreation is a common cure for the heat. Yuma has some great water recreation and we would like to take this time to pass along some water safety reminders.
Stay aware of your surroundings, water depths, water clarity, currents and other conditions. Be alert for holes, drop-offs, and channels where water depths and currents can suddenly change. Be sure your swimming abilities are up to the conditions, always observe the “buddy system” and never swim alone. Even adults should never swim alone. Never leave children unsupervised around water, and this is even more critical around rivers and lakes.. And learn CPR, It does save lives!
Be sure of your equipment. Always wear an approved Personal Flotation Device (PFD) when you are boating. Inflatable “pool toys” are not “approved” PFDs. It is especially important for children to wear PFDs when in or on natural waterways.
Alcohol abuse can increase a person’s risk of drowning. Alcohol can impair judgment and perception. You do want to stay hydrated, but avoid heavily sugared, caffeinated, or alcoholic beverages.
“Tubing” on the river (or taking advantage of other local water recreation activities) can be a lot of fun, with the right equipment and taking the proper precautions! Know the difference between safe reliable equipment, and “pool toys”.
And NEVER swim in Canals (or jump off the Ocean to Ocean bridge…), it’s not only against the law, it’s DANGEROUS!!!!!
For more information about fire and injury prevention classes we offer, contact the Yuma Fire Department Public Information Office at 928-373-4855.