LEXINGTON, Ky. (LEX 18)–With two drownings in Kentucky within the last week, officials want to remind people to be careful as they get ready for the upcoming Memorial Day weekend.
The forecasted highs are near 90 this Memorial Day weekend and a lot of folks will want to cool off in a pool or lake. Fire officials want to remind you that you should take some precautions.
“Something can go wrong very very quickly when it comes to water emergencies. In fact, it only takes 2 inches or less, anything that can cover the mouth or nose, to cause drowning,” said Major Jordan Saas with the Lexington Fire Department.
Last weekend, there were two drownings reported in Kentucky, one in Daviess County and one in Spencer County.
Saas said that the biggest risk for drowning is typically children, so it is crucial that parents monitor them near water at all times.
“That way the parent is alert and aware should something go wrong. Supervision doesn’t mean in the area playing on your phone, it means watching the child, being engaged with the child and making sure that they aren’t running on the pool deck,” said Saas,
Wear a life jacket if you’re heading out in a boat and make sure you don’t swim alone or at night.
Saas suggests also avoiding diving into water headfirst.
“A lot of times some people misrepresent the depth, so it’s always recommended to go feet first into a body of water, whether it be a swimming pool or open water like a pond,” he said.
For more tips on swimming safety, click here.
