Haddam Fire Offers Water Sport/Boating Safety Tips

With the coming of late Spring and early Summer, activities around the water are increasing. Early this year, the Fire Company has already responded to several water related emergencies, two of which involving deaths by drowning. 

While every marine or water related emergency is different, here are some tips to reduce the risk while still enjoying the recreational activity. When in a boat, wear some type of personal floatation device (PFD). USCG approved devices can be found in such garments as stylish jackets or wind breakers, light-weight inflatable waist bands, and useful fishing vests. You will not see any member of the out in either of our boats without wearing a PFD.

Do not swim alone, and do not swim beyond a reasonable distance for someone else to help you should a cramp occur or panic set in. What may appear to be a short distance across a peaceful pond, can quickly turn into a fight against muscle cramps and a struggle to stay on the surface. Do not dive into any water that you are not absolutely familiar with the depth and clearance of entry. The Haddam Volunteer Fire Company has responded to near or actual drownings at Millers Pond State Park almost every year. In addition, last year the Fire Company responded to Haddam Meadows for a drowning within several hundred feet of shore. 

Besides already responding this year to a drowning at Millers Pond, the Fire Company responded to a running alongside Depot Road in Higganum. Slick rocks and fast moving waterfalls most likely contributed to a resident slipping and falling. Rescuers battled the same slippery surfaces to attempt a rescue. When make sure of your footing. Do not put yourself in harms way by being close to a rocky slope, which will most likely be slick from water and algae. 

Pools are a great source of summer comfort but come with risks as well. Keep access to pool areas closely monitored. Stew Leonard, the owner of the large grocery chain, routinely talks about losing his son. Both Stew and his wife thought that each other were watching their son, but he had snuck out to the pool and was found dead at the bottom. Take all necessary precautions to ensure that entrances to pool areas are secure. Make sure someone present is trained in CPR, and that proper first aid equipment is ready near by.

If you witness a swimmer in difficulty, follow the 4-step method of rescue. 

1. Reach – extend something out to the person keeping yourself on firm ground. 
2. Throw – toss something that will float, ideally connected to a rope, and assist them from shore. 
3. Row – wearing a PFD, utilizing a safe boat if available and moving out to get the person.  
4. Go – only as a last ditch effort and by a trained rescuer wearing a PFD should you go near the person in the water.  

Remember, in North America, for every cold water rescue attempt, two rescuers are lost – often untrained and unequipped “do-gooders” who get in way over their head.

Following these simple guidelines will help ensure a great time on and around the water this summer season.

More information on the activities of the Haddam Volunteer Fire Co. and ways you can get involved can be found on our website – www.HaddamFire.com.

Submitted by Bob Norton, Haddam Volunteer Fire Company Public Relations Liaison.