BOISE – As many Idahoans try to beat the heat by heading to the local pool, lake, or river, AAA emphasizes safe swimming and boating practices.
“We may overestimate our swimming ability, and if we find ourselves in a tricky situation, panic can set in,” says AAA Idaho public affairs director Matthew Conde. “As parents, please keep your head on a swivel to check on your kids. The top priority is safety, and everything else comes second.”
Swimming and Boating Tips
- Get CPR and basic First Aid training. Check with local fire departments, hospitals, and rec centers for training opportunities.
- Bring life jackets for everyone on kayaks, stand up paddleboards, and in boats – even experienced swimmers. Remember, life jackets aren’t about style, they’re about survival.
- Stay hydrated and use plenty of sunscreen.
- Anticipate unique dangers such as currents and debris.
- Only dive or jump in where you have confirmed it is deep enough to do so safely.
- If available, always attach the engine cutoff lanyard to you so that if you go overboard, the motor stops immediately.
- Maintain a safe distance from other watercraft and swimmers, and have sound-producing and visual devices for emergencies (including someone in the water).
- Never swim alone.
AAA says that one of the unexpected signs of drowning is that a person in distress may not make any noise – rather, their survival instinct may be focusing all their attention on trying to “climb the ladder” to get out of the water. Parents should get in the water with their kids to set appropriate boundaries and depths for children to enjoy.
“A major part of a safe boating trip happens before you even leave the house,” Conde said. “Make sure you have two trailer safety chains that are in good condition. Crisscross them so that they can cradle the trailer if it becomes unhitched. And, as always, please make sure that you’re not dragging any metal on the ground as it could spark a wildfire.”
AAA also encourages boaters and swimmers to keep an eye on changing weather conditions.