National, State agencies good resources for water safety guidance Published May 27, 2007 By Ashley Awes Sump 10th Missile Squadron MALMSTROM AIR FORCE BASE, Mont. -- Should you find yourself seeking relief from summer's unrelenting heat this year, you are in luck. Montana boasts a multitude of lakes and rivers just begging to be explored. From white water rafting for adrenaline junkies to lake lounging for families, there is a little something for everyone. Before you go diving into your water recreation activity of choice, take the time to educate yourself on water safety. A little awareness and healthy respect for water safety can deter meaningless tragedy and ensure a fun-filled day for everyone. Last year, out of the nearly 3,000 drownings reported to the National Safety Council in the United States, one was from Malmstrom Air Force Base. Sadly, this was preventable. Besides fatalities, an additional 4,000 people are treated each year for non-fatal water recreation injuries - 20 percent of which will suffer permanent disabilities. One theme is prevalent in most of these accidents: a general disregard for safety precautions. For example, the National Center for Disease Control and Prevention reports that, on average, 87 percent of people who died while boating were not wearing life jackets that were available onboard; alcohol plays a role in an estimated half of all adolescent and adult drowning fatalities; and drowning is still the second leading cause of unintentional injury-related death in children between the ages of 1 and 14. To avoid contributing to any of these tragic statistics, follow these guidelines, as recommended by the American Red Cross Association, the Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks Department, the National Safety Council and the National Center for Disease Control and Prevention. Learn how to swim. Many people who die while boating never expected to have to swim. Obey all rules and regulations signs in and around the water. Wear Coast Guard-approved personal flotation devices. Never use air-filled or foam flotation devices in place of life jackets. Non-swimmers should never rely on flotation devices. Know your limits. If you feel too cold, tired, dizzy or far from safety, you should either take a break or call it a day. Be aware of and avoid potential hazards, such as shallow water, deep water, strong currents and obstructions. Check your local weather forecast. Lightening is especially dangerous if you are in the water. Large amounts of rain can cause flash flooding and strong currents. Enter the water feet first. Do not dive into water of an uncertain depth or water not deeper than nine feet. Only enter water headfirst in areas clearly marked for diving and check that the water is clear of people and debris before diving. Avoid alcohol completely. Alcohol impairs judgment, balance, coordination and the ability to stay warm. It can facilitate dehydration and hypothermia. It is also unlawful in Montana to operate a boat under the influence of alcohol. Carry first aid supplies. Learning CPR is also advisable. Communicate to someone staying behind where you will be and for how long. Attend a local boating safety class. Bring a cellular phone with you or locate the nearest pay phone in case of an emergency. Select a swim-designated area. Areas maintained for safe swimming will be marked with white and orange buoys. Do not swim under rafts or docks. If swimming near either of these, make sure they are well-maintained and not in disrepair. Swim in areas with good water quality and safe natural conditions. Avoid water that is murky, choppy, foamy, littered with debris or overgrown with plant life. Wear water shoes when entering water with moss-covered rock bottoms. Check water currents before entering water. If you become caught in a current, do not panic or fight the current or try to swim directly to land. Swim with the current, parallel to land, and slowly make your way back to shore at an angle. Do not stray far from safety. Distances over water can be deceptive. Drink plenty of water and do not swim on an empty stomach. Lack of food and water can lower the body's ability to stay warm. Do not swim right after eating. Give your body at least a half hour to digest in order to avoid cramping. Watch for signs of hypothermia. Most of Montana's natural bodies of water remain cold year round. Water wicks heat away from your body 25 times faster than air and swimming also takes up energy the body needs to keep warm. If you start to shiver uncontrollably, develop cramped muscles, or feel weak, numb and dizzy, get out quickly. Hypothermia comes on fast and can cause you to lose consciousness. If you are stuck in cold water, away from safety, tuck your knees to your chest with your arms and lean back carefully while floating in the water. This reduces heat loss and conserves energy until help can arrive. If someone with you shows signs of hypothermia, remove wet clothing and wrap the person in as many layers of warmth as possible. Do not allow the person to smoke or drink alcohol and do not offer painkillers - these can only worsen the person's condition. Most importantly, never underestimate the power of water. Even good swimmers can experience an unexpected medical emergency. For information on local swim lessons, call the American Red Cross at 406-245-3512. For boat safety lessons, call Montana Boat Safety Education at 406-444-2535.