As the temperatures in Sacramento starting to rise, the Sacramento Fire Department is urging swimmers and boaters to be cautious and wear life jackets in waterways this summer.
“The local rivers should be enjoyed cautiously,” said Sacramento Fire Captain Justin Sylvia. “They are fast moving and can sweep you downriver within seconds. Children need to be monitored around water and ensure that small children are wearing life jackets around our local rivers, even if they know how to swim.”
Fire stations in the Sacramento region offer life jackets to the public on a loan basis. Life jackets are available for children and adults and can be borrowed for the day or weekend simply by completing a form.
Here are a few more water safety tips from the fire department:
- Always wear a life jacket.
- Never swim alone and never go in the water after drinking alcohol.
- Stay within arm’s length of inexperienced swimmers.
- Always watch children in and around water. Assign a water watcher. Don’t assume someone else is watching. Drowning is quick and silent, it can happen in seconds.
- Drain inflatable pools and coolers after each use. A toddler can drown in just one inch of water.
- Call 911 right away if someone is in trouble.
- Learn CPR.
- Wear sunscreen.
Below are fire station locations, five of which are offering free life jackets for loan and firefighters will help get those in need properly fitted with a life jacket (see little life vest icons):
The City is dedicated to ensuring public safety on the waterways, as it’s Sacramento Office of Emergency Management (SacOEM) recently donated 150 life vests to Sacramento’s Community Emergency Response Team.
In addition, the City’s Sacramento Fire Department, Sacramento Police Department, CERT, SacOEM, and Youth, Parks and Community Enrichment gathered for an Annual Drowning Prevention event on May 6. The various departments shared tips and conducted training scenarios to prepare for this season of recreation on the waterways.
