As the Memorial Day weekend approaches, Stafford officials urge all visitors to the Rappahannock River to use extreme caution.
More than 80 individuals have drowned in the Rappahannock River since 1972. Public safety officials are especially concerned over the next few days because the river is a popular gathering place for many people over the Memorial Day holiday. But visitors should take precautions at the river year round. Conditions could quickly become dangerous at the river with strong currents, underwater debris such as trees and rocks, and sharp drop-offs into deep water.Â
The beach at the Historic Port of Falmouth Park opens for the season on Friday, May 22, 2015. Attendants from the Stafford Department of Parks, Recreation and Community Facilities will be at the park during its summer operating hours of Monday – Sunday, 8:00 a.m. – 8:00 p.m. However, the attendants at the park are not lifeguards. They will provide safety information to all visitors. In addition, there are signs posted on the banks of the river that contain lifesaving river safety information, such as drawings that will quickly alert people to the warnings and risks associated with their water activities. Everyone visiting the park should obey all posted signs and follow the directions of the park attendants.Â
Individuals can also visit the pools at Curtis Park and Woodlands. For information on the operating hours at both pools, please visitwww.staffordparks.com or call Woodlands Pool at 540-658-4241 or Curtis Park 540-658-5114.
In addition, public safety officials recommend that individuals follow these water safety tips from the American Red Cross:
In Case of a Water Emergency
Call 9-1-1 immediately.
No additional people should enter the water to lend assistance to those in distress. Remember: “Reach or throw, don’t go.”
Call 9-1-1 and identify the location of the emergency with as much information as possible.
General Water Safety
Learn to swim. The best thing anyone can do to stay safe in and around the water is to learn to swim. Always swim with a friend; never swim alone.
Swim in areas supervised by a lifeguard.
Read and obey all rules and posted signs.
Set water safety rules for the whole family based on swimming abilities (for example, inexperienced swimmers should stay in water less than chest deep).
Learn CPR and insist that babysitters, grandparents, and others who care for your child know CPR.Â
River Safety
Be aware! The river bottom is uneven and may drop off suddenly. Strong tides and currents can turn an event that began as fun into a tragedy.
Wear shoes – there may be broken glass on the bottom.
Do not dive into the water. Too many swimmers are seriously injured every year by entering headfirst into water that is too shallow. A feet-first entry is much safer than diving.
If you are going to swim, wear a life jacket at all times.
Beach Safety
Protect your skin from the sun. Sunlight increases the risk of skin cancer, skin aging, and other skin diseases.
Drink plenty of water regularly and often, even if you do not feel thirsty. Your body needs water to keep cool.Â
Watch for signs of heat stroke. Heat stroke is life threatening.
Home Pool Safety
Never leave a child unobserved around water. Your eyes must be on the child at all times. Adult supervision is always recommended.
Post CPR instructions and 9-1-1 or your local emergency number in the pool area.
Recent Stories
Since August 2024, Potomac Local News has seen significant growth in our email newsletter readership, with our audience expanding from 14,747 subscribers in August to 18,252 subscribers in February 2025.
(AP) — Punxsutawney Phil saw his shadow Sunday and predicted six more weeks of wintry weather, his top-hatted handlers announced to a raucus, record-sized crowd at Gobbler’s Knob in Pennsylvania.
Phil was welcomed with chants of “Phil, Phil, Phil,” and pulled from a hatch on his tree stump shortly after sunrise before a member of the Punxsutawney Groundhog Club read from a scroll in which he boasted: “Only I know — you can’t trust A.I.”
At approximately 2:45 P.M. on Saturday, February 1st, units with Stafford County Fire and Rescue (SCFR) responded to a reported structure fire in the 100 block of Aquia Creek Road, near Aquia Creek. Callers reported a neighboring residence on fire, and first arriving units marked the scene less than 10 minutes later and confirmed fire and smoke coming from the rear and roof of a single-family residence.
Due to a lack of hydrants in the area, crews had to utilize rural water operations to shuttle water to the scene. Crews worked quickly to extinguish the fire and bring it under control in approximately an hour, despite the roof collapsing.
The residence was not occupied at the time of the fire, and no injuries were reported. The fire is under routine investigation by the Stafford County Fire Marshal’s Office. SCFR units were assisted on scene by Quantico Fire and Emergency Services.
(AP) — Preliminary data from the deadliest U.S. aviation accident in nearly 25 years showed conflicting readings about the altitudes of an airliner and Army helicopter when they collided near Reagan National Airport in Washington, killing everyone aboard both aircraft, investigators said Saturday.
Travel to French soil and join us for a night filled with two of the most beloved French traditions—no plane ticket required! ?
On January 25th, we invite you to experience the magic of Galette des Rois, a 700-year-old tradition celebrated across France throughout the entire month of January (and even beyond!). This sweet, almond-filled puff pastry topped with a golden crown isn’t just a treat—it’s a celebration! The lucky person who finds the fève (a porcelain charm hidden in one of the slices) becomes the King or Queen for the Day, and don’t worry—there will be plenty of royalty to go around! ??
But that’s not all! In France, Les Voeux (New Year’s wishes) continue throughout January, often accompanied by Champagne and good cheer. We’re bringing that festive spirit to you, with a lively evening packed with French food, wine, and music.
What’s in store:
Experience the passion and drama of Puccini’s “The Girl from the Golden West”.
Featuring special guest musicians from The Chesapeake Youth Orchestra,
this performance brings Puccini’s masterpiece to life with an extraordinary cast.
