The summer of 2013 has been a deadly one at several Kansas lakes, ponds and rivers.
At least 13 people have drowned in Kansas since May 18, according to a Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks and Tourism press release, including Iolan John Williams, who drowned while fishing in the Neosho River in Woodson County June 22.
The pace seems to have quickened now that the weather has turned warm and more people are flocking to the water.
Five people drowned in the first week of July, including four during the extended July 4 holiday.
Of note, at least nine of the drownings were not boating related, according to KDWPT, which investigates boating accidents. Only one of the victims was wearing a life jacket.
There are several things you can take to ensure your safety, said Maj. Dan Hesket, boating law administrator with KDWPT.
His recommendations:
— Wear a life jacket at all times. Kansas law requires that all boats have proper life jackets for each person on board. Anyone 12 and younger is required to wear a life jacket at all times. Hesket encourages adults to follow the same example.
— Swim and wade with caution. Lakes and rivers aren’t swimming pools and shouldn’t be treated as such. Lakes have wind, waves, underwater obstacles, sudden drop-offs and soft bottoms. Rivers may have deceptively strong currents. Most bodies of water in Kansas are murky, making it nearly impossible to locate someone who has slipped beneath the surface.
— Never dive into a lake, since you can’t see the water depth or underwater debris.
— Know your limitations. Most people over-estimate their ability to swim in open water. Swimming in a large body of water is strenuous. Be particularly cautious if you have underlying medical issues or take medication.
— Don’t swim at night, and don’t swim alone. Nobody can see you if you get in trouble.
— Avoid horseplay and risk-taking. Practical jokes and childish challenges may seem innocent at the time, but could have tragic consequences. Hesket noted most of the drowning victims were male — possibly because they were more inclined to take risks than females.
— Avoid alcohol and other drugs. In addition to impairing a person’s judgment, alcohol increases the likelihood a swimmer will tire or become disoriented, hyperventilate or gasp involuntarily.
— Designate a lookout. With no lifeguards on duty, it’s a good idea to designate someone who can sound an alarm and respond appropriately if a swimmer gets in trouble. Rescuers should not attempt to approach a person struggling to stay afloat unless they are trained to do so. Even strong swimmers can drown trying to help others. Instead, stay on the boat or dock and extend a pole, oar, stick, rope or clothing to reach the victim, or throw something that can float.
— Learn cardio-pulmonary resuscitation (CPR). You could save someone’s life in the time it takes for emergency responders to arrive at a rural location.