Respect the Water

Now that summer has arrived more people will be enjoying area rivers and lakes to cool off from the heat.  Those waters can be dangerous, so Major Mike England with the Georgia Department of Natural Resources offers this safety advice.  “So, as people go to the lake, river, creek, or whatever during the summer while it is hot they just need to be respectful of the water.  If it is really hot outside and you jump into the cold water it can take your breath and cause you to sort of panic a little bit.  It only takes just a teaspoon of water to go down in your lungs to cause you to drown.  Also, if you are swimming in the river make sure that you are not in a current to where a current is going to take you.  So, just be respectful of the water, and if you are not a good swimmer make sure you wear a lifejacket.”  Always swim with a friend and tell someone where you are going and when you plan to return in case there is an emergency.