Bonners Ferry Local Guide including all of Boundary County Idaho

Red Cross Urging People To Stay Safe Near Water

Friday, June 1, 2007; KFIF

Temperatures near Sandpoint are expected to jump to 91 degrees and in Eastern Idaho the weather service is predicting highs of around 85 degrees. A lot of you folks might want to find ways to beat that heat. One simple way is to head down to those pools, rivers and lakes. No doubt the river will be a popular place this summer. On beautiful days like Thursday, folks will definitely want to take advantage of the outdoors. But if you do, you might just want to remember a few tips to stay safe while outdoors near the water. The Red Cross advises that first and foremost, anyone near water needs to learn how to swim. Second of all, folks with small children should never leave them unattended near any water, that's including something as small as a bathtub. Third, keep lifesaving gear handy. Always have a life-jacket, rope, pole handy in case you need it. Fourth, know when things are too dangerous, watch out for your buddies if they're swimming too far or in a too crowded of an area. And finally, remember that alcohol and water don't mix. Never drink alcohol while swimming and boating. "Anything that you do that will impair that judgment or slow down your reaction to things, that's going to be dangerous," said Shawn Tolman, District Director, Eastern Idaho Red Cross. The Red Cross adds that thinking ahead and being prepared for the worst can save a family member or a friend's life. For more information on safety tips, or where to take swimming lessons you can go to www.redcrossidaho.org. - Full Story