Video: Stafford Warns of River Danger

Stafford County, Va. –– Visitors to the Historic Port of Falmouth Park are encouraged to use free life vests to use in the Rappahannock River.

The safety message is part of a joint effort from both Stafford County and Fredericksburg officials to remind residents to be safe over the Memorial Day weekend.

“The Rappahannock River is a beautiful natural resource, but I strongly discourage people from getting in the water,” said Stafford County Administrator Anthony Romanello. “The river can be deadly to those who are not familiar with it. Anyone who must enter the river needs to practice safety at all times, which includes wearing a personal floatation device if an individual must go into the water.”

Beach goers at Falmouth in 2008 were witness to a string of drowning, which prompted safety officials to place signs on the beach warning of the dangers of the tidal river. There have been 85 people who have drowned in the Rappahannock since 1972.

Officials say river goers often encounter danger when they wade into what appears to be shallow water but then lose their footing in sudden drop offs, and then are unable to make it back to the river bank.

Park attendants – who are not trained life guards –– are then forced to call 911 for help.

Signs are posted on the Stafford and Fredericksburg sides of the river warning river goers about the dangers in the water.

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).

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.
•         Everyone should wear life jackets at all times.

Beach Safety
•         Protect your skin: Sunlight contains two kinds of UV rays - UVA 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.
•         Install a phone by the pool or keep a cordless phone nearby so that you can call 9-1-1 in an emergency.
•         Learn Red Cross CPR and insist that babysitters, grandparents, and others who care for your child know CPR.
•         Post CPR instructions and 9-1-1 or your local emergency number in the pool area.

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