As families prepare to enjoy Memorial Day weekend, experts are urging caution about the increasing number of drownings. With the warm weather and sunshine calling outdoors, it’s important to remember that water can be dangerous if proper safety measures are not taken.
Robert Duff, the general manager at Twin River Outfitters in Buchanan, is expecting a busy weekend with 300 guests visiting the James River for tubing, kayaking, and other outdoor activities. While they may be looking forward to relaxation and fun, Duff wants them to remember that safety should always be a top priority.
For Daniel Grau, who traveled from the Philadelphia area for a kayaking trip, being on the river is a way to unwind and slow down the pace of life. Before hitting the water, Twin River staff provide safety guidelines, including the importance of wearing a properly-fitting life jacket. Grau knows all too well how crucial it is to follow these rules – he lost his brother-in-law to drowning in a lake just last year.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), drowning is actually the leading cause of death for children 1-4 years old in the U.S. The CDC reports that almost half of deadly drownings in people 15 and older occur in natural waters like rivers and lakes. In fact, in 2021 alone, there were 658 boating-related deaths in the U.S., with most victims not wearing life jackets – which could have been preventable if they had simply followed basic safety guidelines like wearing their PFDs when engaging in water activities.
The key message from experts like Duff is clear: wear your personal flotation device (PFD) when enjoying water activities! It’s not just about having fun – it’s also about keeping yourself and others safe from potentially fatal accidents or injuries on the water. So as you make plans for your Memorial Day weekend adventures, don’t forget to pack your PFDs too!
