Water safety experts are offering advice for those looking to venture into a body of water in Minnesota this summer after the tragic drowning of three Minnesotans this week.
When someone is struggling in the water, your first thought may be to jump right in and save them, but the aquatic manager of YMCA of the North, says it’s important to not put yourself at risk in the process.
“You don’t want to jump in the water and try to save them,” she said. “Rather, use a long object to reach for them and try to pull them to safety. If they’re too far away from you, throw it out to them. Even in lifeguard training, guards are always keeping their tubes between them and the person they’re rescuing. It’s a safety precaution.”
She says it’s also critical to designate someone as the water watcher when out at summer gatherings on the water.
Whoever is serving as the water watcher should not be distracted or drinking while on duty.
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