West Virginia Water Safety Tips Arrive Ahead Of Summer Swimming Season
As residents return to rivers, lakes and swimming holes, safety officials are urging basic precautions around West Virginia waters.
With summer weather drawing more West Virginians to rivers, lakes and favorite swimming holes, safety reminders are arriving at the right time.
Warm afternoons can make familiar water look harmless, but conditions can change quickly. Depth, current, slippery rocks and hidden debris can all turn a casual outing into an emergency.
Simple Steps Can Lower Risk
Families should keep close watch on children, use properly fitted life jackets when boating or swimming in deeper water, and avoid entering fast-moving streams after storms. Swimmers should also be cautious around low-head dams and unfamiliar banks.
Alcohol and water recreation remain a dangerous mix, especially for boaters and adults supervising children. Having a sober lookout and a plan for communication can make a major difference if someone gets into trouble.
West Virginia has no shortage of beautiful places to cool off. A few basic habits can help residents enjoy those places while reducing preventable drownings and injuries during the busiest part of the year.
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