As summer temperatures soar into the 90s, the Franklin County Sheriff’s Office wants to do everything possible to help you and your family have a fun and safe summer. Sadly, tragedy has already reared its ugly head.
As your family prepares to make a summer splash in area rivers, lakes, creeks, and streams this summer, I urge you to take a few common-sense precautions to ensure everyone’s safety. As parents, we are far more focused on sunscreen and snacks than lifesaving measures because it’s human nature to operate under the “it can’t happen to me” philosophy. I always say better safe than sorry. So before you go…
LIFE JACKETS:
Let’s face it. Life jackets are hot, uncomfortable, and they ruin your tan. However, a well-fitted, U.S. Coast Guard-approved life jacket can mean the difference between life and death. I recently had an interesting conversation with Lt. Ed Schillig who has served on the Sheriff’s Dive Team for 22-years. He told me he’s witnessed people using life jackets to tether kayaks or canoes together and observed life jackets serving as a makeshift floating cooler. Lt. Schillig told me in 22-years of service, he’s never recovered a body that was wearing a life jacket. Last year, 26-Ohioans lost their lives in boating accidents. 20-victims were not wearing a life jacket.
911, WHERE IS YOUR EMERGENCY?
I hope you never have to call 911, but if you do, the ability to provide your location is critical to a swift and successful rescue mission. If you’re taking your family kayaking on canoeing, take a moment to note the time and launch location and pay attention to landmarks, like bridges, along the way. Share that information with a friend or family member at home and let them know an estimated time you should complete your trip. FCSO Communications Technicians (911 Dispatchers) have the ability to ping your cell phone to determine your location but first responders will reach you more quickly if you can immediately provide that information.
HAVE YOU SEEN MY CELL PHONE?
It’s tempting to leave your cell phone behind in the car because you don’t want it to become overheated or get wet. Unfortunately, if you find yourself in a situation where you need to make an emergency call for help, you’re in trouble. It’s important to keep your device in a waterproof container or even a zip lock bag and keep it on your person while you are paddling. If you capsize and your cell phone is tucked inside a backpack, it’s unlikely you’ll be able to retrieve it. The Sheriff’s Office is always one phone call way, but you must have the means to make that critical call for help.
OPERATION DRY WATER
The National Boating Safety Council reminds boaters throughout the summer boating season to boat sober. The legal limit for alcohol content in your blood while boating is the same as the legal limit for driving. That means you can’t legally operate a canoe, kayak, or paddleboard with a blood alcohol content, or BAC, of 0.08%. Balance is one of the first things you lose when you consume alcohol, which can increase your risk of falling overboard. If you want to enjoy a cold adult beverage on a hot summer day, wait until you’re off the water.
ADMIT YOUR SKILL
If you’re paddling, know your skill level, and don’t underestimate the water. It may look calm and peaceful on the surface, but you need to know what is happening upstream. If you’re planning a float trip with a local canoe livery service, operators are extremely familiar with the waterway and can tell you whether it’s rough or swift. If you’re an inexperienced paddler, or you’re taking children on the water, it’s safer and smarter to opt for a quieter body of water.
We are all eager to resume pre-COVID family activities. The Sheriff’s Office hopes when you’re packing the sunscreen and snacks for a fun day on the water, you will keep these simple safety tips in mind to ensure your family spends the summer making happy memories. Have a great summer, everyone.