Hamilton County Sheriff's Office reminds the public of National Water Safety Month.
"Hamilton County is known for its many natural amenities, especially the Tennessee River and the many local lakes," officials said. "With all these amazing waterways right at our doorstep, it is very important to recognize that May has been designated as National Water Safety Month and May 17-23 has been designated as National Safe Boating Week," officials said.
“With summer fast approaching, many of us will head to our local lakes and river to go boating or swimming with family and friends.
As part of National Water Safety Month, I want to urge everyone to stay safe and make responsible choices when enjoying our area's many water-based amenities. Our Marine Patrol Unit—working alongside partners at the TWRA and TVA Police—will be actively patrolling to ensure your safety and protect our community. Whether on the road or on the water, the HCSO is committed to keeping you safe. Please make responsible decisions and never operate a boat while impaired. If you do, the HCSO is committed to removing you from our waterways,” said Sheriff Austin Garrett.
The HCSO Marine Patrol Unit would like to remind boaters of the following:
- Have a designated operator and never operate a vessel under the influence
- Adults should consider wearing their U.S. Coastguard certified life jacket
- Children 12 and under must wear a life jacket
- File a float plan. Let someone know your boating plans for the day
- Check weather conditions before heading to the water
- Perform a safety check before heading out on the water
- Be sure to have all proper safety equipment onboard
- Follow all navigational rules
For those who own residential pools or swim in our lakes and streams, please remember the following:
- Make sure adults and children who are boating or swimming wear a Coast Guard approved PFD or life jacket
- Never swim alone, always swim with a buddy
- Always supervise swimmers, especially children
- Enter the water feet first
- Never dive headfirst into shallow pool or in a lake where the depth is not determined
- Stay away from pool drains and grates
- Never swim while impaired or intoxicated
- Make sure your pool fence is locked at all times to avoid accidents
- Make sure to know CPR
To learn more about how to keep you and your family safe while enjoying the water, visit:
https://www.redcross.org/get-help/how-to-prepare-for-emergencies/types-of-emergencies/water-safety.html.