Stafford residents – use caution at Rappahannock River

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. 

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. 

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. 

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. 

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.