8/21/2007

8/22/2007
Make Late Summer Swim a Safe One - Tom Keith

LINCOLN, Neb. – As Labor Day approaches, safe swimming practices should ensure an enjoyable end to this summer on Nebraska waters.

Practicing common sense and adhering to regulations are necessary for a safe swim at state park areas, according to the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission.

Here are a few tips and reminders from the Commission:

-- In state park areas, swimming is allowed only in designated swimming areas with beaches. These areas are marked by signs and include lines of buoys set in 5.5 to 6 feet of water. “Once they leave that, swimmers are in an unauthorized area,” Conservation Officer Murray Johnson said. A violation could result in a fine of $25, plus court costs.

-- It is unlawful to swim within 20 yards of a boat dock. Swimmers bobbing in the water can be difficult to see from a boat and a propeller creates an obvious hazard to anyone in the water. “Powerboats and swimmers don’t mix,” said Jim Carney, central regional park manager. “That’s a dangerous mix.” A violation could result in a fine of $25, plus court costs.

-- Alcoholic beverages are not allowed at state park areas. A violation for possession of an open container could result in a fine of $25, plus court costs. A violation for consuming alcohol could result in a fine of $100, plus court costs.

-- Surface diving should be avoided because of the risk of injury from diving into shallow water.

-- Only U.S. Coast Guard-approved personal floatation devices (PFDs), including air mattresses, should be used. Parents should provide PFDs for children who can’t swim. Child-size PFDs may be borrowed from park booths at Lake McConaughy and Mormon Island state recreation areas.

-- Parents should closely watch their children, especially toddlers. “On a crowded beach, it’s easy for parents to be distracted and a child to wander away,” Carney said.

-- Rest breaks should be taken to ensure swimmers don’t become exhausted in the water.

-- Swimmers should leave the water when thunderstorms approach.