Unfortunately, not every story ends this well. Also in the news today is the story of a man whose body was pulled from the Erie Canal after he reportedly jumped in to cool off and never resurfaced. As summer begins, it's important to remember that not every body of water is as inviting as it appears. Fast moving currents and sudden dropoffs that can change water depth can occur sometimes even in what appears to be shallow water. We're surrounded by Great Lakes and several rivers and streams, but you should only swim in areas that are designated for swimming and supervised by lifeguards, and make sure to keep in mind your limitations and the abilities of everyone swimming with you.
Even if you take all the proper precautions for swimming in lakes, rivers, streams or in the neighborhood pool, an emergency can still take place. Knowing CPR can make the difference between life and death, so please take the time to sign up for a training class (and/or water safety courses!) so you are prepared should a situation occur. Let's work together to make sure this summer is filled with fun stories instead of tragic endings!
