DES MOINES - Warmer days and rising water temperatures are driving Iowans to the lakes, streams and beaches in high numbers, prompting DNR officers to remind to Iowans to be safe and careful when pursuing their favorite summer activities.
One of the key messages DNR officers are stressing is the importance of proper, constant adult supervision when playing in and around water.
"Whether it's a lake, pond, stream or even a swimming pool, parents and guardians must stay vigilant at watching out for the younger family members," said Rod Slings, recreational safety coordinator for the DNR. "The same holds true for those with marginal swimming skills, and even accomplished adult swimmers, but even more so with these younger kids.
"These are often highly-active, high-energy, highly-exploratory kids who, in some cases, haven't developed many of the fears or older kids and adults already have. When that's the case taking your eye off your child even for an instant could turn into a tragedy."
The need for constant supervision is even higher when visiting waters for the first time due to the unfamiliarity factor, Slings said.
"In some cases, certain water bodies may have variable currents, varying depths, differing bottom structure, changing water clarity, floating debris and other obstacles that could pose a threat to safety," he said. "An example is what we refer to as a "strainer," such as flotsam or other logjams along a river or stream that allows water to flow through, but may otherwise drag a water vessel or even a person under where they become trapped. It's important to learn the dynamics of that water body beforehand to avoid such pitfalls."
Of course, safety officials are strongly encouraging the use of approved personal flotation devices whenever around water, especially for young children and less experienced swimmers.
"You don't know how many times we and other law enforcement officers, during the course of a drowning or near-drowning investigation, heard, 'I just turned away for a second to…,'" Slings said. "It's that one second that could change a life forever."
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