It’s been a deadly start to the open-water season in Minnesota.
As many as nine people have been victims of boating fatalities. That marks the most fatalities at this point of the year in more than a decade.
In addition, a higher-than-average number of people have drowned at places like beaches and swimming pools.
The people who’ve drowned so far this season span the age, gender and swimming ability spectrum.
Officials with the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources are reminding everyone who’s around the water to make safety their first priority.
The people who’ve drowned so far this season span the age, gender and swimming ability spectrum. DNR safety officials offer the following tips for staying safe around the water.
- Wear a life jacket. All children, and adults should wear a life jacket anytime they’re around the water.
- Avoid alcohol. About 40 percent of boating fatalities include alcohol.
- Designate a “water watcher.” This person puts down their cell phone or other distractions and focuses only on watching the water to ensure everyone is safe.
- Wade feet-first into the water to avoid jumping into an area where the current, depth and other conditions are unknown.
- Constantly supervise children while they’re in or near the water.
- Swim only in designated swimming areas.
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