Water Safety Suggestions

General Water Safety...

Always swim with a buddy.
NEVER swim alone.
Be sure a water safety professional or an adult who can swim is watching and stay within his/her sights.
NEVER leave children unattended, your eyes must be on them at all times.
NEVER eat or chew gum while you swim, you can choke.
Learn CPR and be prepared to use it.
NEVER drink alcohol and swim.
Obey "No Swimming" and "No Diving" signs.
NEVER try to keep up with a stronger swimmer and watch for weaker swimmers.

If An Emergency Happens...

Check the scene to ensure it is safe. NEVER attempt to rescue a person from the water without formal training.
Call 9-1-1.
Care for the person until help arrives.

You Can Reduce Your Chances Of Becoming A Victim Of Drowning By...

Using a USCG-approved Personal Flotation Device (PFD) whenever you're on or in the water.
Learning how to swim.
Knowing where the radio and signal devices are on your watercraft, and how to use them.
Never swimming alone or when tired.
Never swimming if danger flags are flying.
Never swimming near objects in the water, such as logs, trees, rocks, or debris.
If you get a cramp, become ill or scared, float on your back and work your way to shore.

Northwest Rivers And Streams...

Rivers and streams can have very seift currents with high columes of water flow.
Never turn your back on the current.
Always swim with a USCG approved personal flotation device.
Be cautious of submerged obstacles and debris.
Be aware of deep water, channels, and ledges.
Use extreme caution in rivers and streams, do not go in water above your knees in areas you are unfamiliar.
Remember, the water in the Northwest is frequently below 50F, with swift currents. That may give you only a few minutes of functional time.

Information provided by:
AMR
P.O. Box 15339
Portland, OR 97293-5339