This summer, the Winnetka Fire Department wishes to remind you of some beach and marina safety tips to help you stay safe as you enjoy beautiful days on the lake:
Swimming Safety:
- Be aware of hazards, such as underwater obstacles, sharp objects in the sand, and inclement weather conditions. Pay attention to posted warning signs.
- Swim with a buddy, even in lifeguarded areas. Never swim alone, regardless of your age or level of swimming skills.
- Always enter unknown or shallow water cautiously. Only dive in water clearly marked as safe for diving, and that is at least 10 feet deep with no underwater obstacles.
- Know what to do in a water emergency, including how to safely help someone in trouble in the water: call for emergency help, and perform CPR, if needed.
Boating Safety:
- Poorly-tuned engines produce more carbon monoxide. Keep your engine properly maintained and follow the manufacturer’s instructions for service.
- Install carbon monoxide alarms listed by a quality testing laboratory inside your boat. Test alarms before each trip.
- If your carbon monoxide alarm sounds, move to a fresh air location immediately and call for emergency help once in a safe place.
- Only use electrical cords safe for marine use. Never use household electrical cords near water.
- Never allow swimming near a boat, marina, or launching ramp. Residual electric current could flow into the water from the boat or the marina’s wiring. This could put someone at risk of electrical shock drowning.
- Know where the main breakers are on both the boat and shore power source. This will help you shut down the electricity quickly in an emergency.
The Winnetka Fire Department holds CPR/AED Training classes every month. Register for class here, or contact Captain Andy MacArthur for more information about the program.
Visit the Red Cross and the National Fire Protection Association for more safety tips.