Community Corner

Sheriff Urges Water Safety During Fall Break

Now that fall break is here, the Hennepin County Sheriff's Office is reminding families about water safety.

As most students will be out for fall break this week, the Hennepin County Sheriff's Office is reminding families about water safety.

According to the sheriff's office, the long weekend will likely mean larger crowds at area indoor swimming pools, indoor water parks, and hot tubs.

For those who plan to be near water or those planning to enjoy water activities, the Sheriff’s Office urges parents to review safety measures.

The sheriff's office has provided the following guidelines from SafeKids Worldwide (www.safekids.org) to describe Active Supervision:

  • Actively supervise children in and around swimming pools, hot tubs, water parks, and open bodies of water, giving them your undivided attention.
  • Whenever infants or toddlers are in or around water, an adult should be within arm’s reach to provide active supervision. Avoid distractions of any kind. If children are near water, then they should be the only thing on your mind. Small children can drown in very shallow water.
  • When there are several adults present and children are swimming, use the “Water Watcher” strategy, which designates one adult as the Water
  • Watcher for a certain amount of time (such as 15-minute periods). Rotate supervision to another adult to maintain supervision.
Drowning or serious brain injury happens quickly – often in a matter of minutes. If anyone fails to re-surface from the water or any person is struggling in the water – please call 911 immediately.

Safety reminders:

WATCH -- your kids

  • In 70% of cases where young children drowned, one or both parents were nearby. Being nearby isn’t enough.
  • Parents must avoid distractions such as using cell phones or talking with other adults.
  • Parent supervision is needed even when there are lifeguards on duty.
  • Do not allow children to play or swim near drains or suction outlets, especially near drains or shallow pools.

WEAR -- a life jacket

  • Weak swimmers or non-swimmers may wear life jackets in swimming pools and any body of water.  Adult supervision is still needed.
  • Do not rely on water wings or other inflatable devices.

LEARN -- to swim & learn about safety

  • Learn to swim. Kids and adults must know how to swim in the Land of 10,000 Lakes.
  • Learn about safety equipment – keep a shepherd’s hook near a pool.  Hand the hook to the struggling person so they can be pulled to safety. Remember
  • that a struggling person may put a rescuer at risk by pulling them down into the water.
  • Learn CPR. 


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