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City of Seattle
Gregory J. Nickels, Mayor
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NEWS ADVISORY
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| SUBJECT: May 3rd is Opening Day of Boating Season
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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
5/1/2008 10:00:00 AM |
FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT:
Police Media Relations (206) 684-5520
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May 3rd is Opening Day of Boating Season
SEATTLE – Boating Season is nearly underway. During this time, it is increasingly important that the public be reminded of boating and swimming safety information for their summer water activities. Seattle Police and Fire personnel want to ensure that the time people spend in the water is safe and enjoyable. For this purpose, we have developed the following list of important water safety tips. We encourage people, even those who consider themselves experienced at water safety, to review safety information prior to entering the water.
- Insist properly fitted PFDs (Personal Floatation Devices) be worn by everyone riding in a boat or being towed on an inner tube, skis or other devices.
- Never allow alcohol to be consumed when around the water.
- Never swim in unsupervised areas and never swim alone.
- Do not dive or jump into unfamiliar or shallow water. Spinal cord or head injuries may occur.
- Go to shore when changing places in small boats or canoes.
- Limit boating to safe weather and water conditions.
- Teach your child to swim or enroll them in swim classes.
- Children should not jump into the pool on their own until they are able to climb out on their own.
- If a river carries a stick faster than you can walk on shore, then it’s moving too fast for swimming.
- Don’t swim in or around lily pads; arms or legs may become entangled.
Please visit http://www.seattle.gov/police/units/harbor/harbor.htm for more information on the Seattle Police Harbor Unit.
Please visit http://www.seattle.gov/fire/firefighting/operations/marinerescue.htm for more information on the Seattle Fire Marine Emergency Response Team.
For additional information or assistance, please contact Mark Jamieson at 684-5521 or Helen Fitzpatrick at 386-1463.
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