July Drownings at 10-Year High in Hennepin County

The statistics are startling.

This July was the worst July on record in the past decade for drownings in Hennepin County. There were eight drownings in the county last month—two more than there were all of last year.

In 2011 to date, there have been a total of 15 drownings in the county with 11 serious, near-drownings. Across Minnesota, 27 people have drowned this year—including a in March—compared to only 18 last year. So what's happening?

At a Hennepin County Sheriff's Office news conference Tuesday, Major Jeff Storms said the unusually hot weather this summer has prompted more people to flock to local lakes and pools.

The conference came less than 24-hours after a , in which a 26-year-old man jumped in and tried to save a 9-year-old girl. Storms said it was the third time this year someone who went into the water to save another subject also drowned.

With 104 lakes and three rivers in the county, here are some of Storms' water safety tips that could help save you or someone you know:

1. Be aware of your surroundings.

"Water is extremely unforgiving," Storms said. "If you are unfamiliar with the water you are more likely to have an accident."

He noted many people mistakenly believe man-made bodies of water—like a pond, pool or hot tub—offer a completely safe environment. Storms stresses people pay attention to who is in the water and what they are doing at all times, especially inexperienced or young swimmers.

"Before you are done reading one page in your book while you sit there and aren't looking, someone could have drowned," he said.

It can take 40 seconds or less for someone to drown, according to Storms.

2. Wear a life jacket. Make others wear one, too.

"I've been to hundreds of near-drownings and drownings, and I have never recovered anyone who was wearing a life jacket," Storms said. "Make sure you are wearing one. Even some of the best swimmers in the world have trouble, especially if they're unfamiliar with the water."

3. Communication is vital in saving a life.

If someone is struggling, they often can’t call out for help, but Storms said to make sure you’re talking to the victim.

"If they are communicating with you they are doing OK, but obviously it becomes a problem if they are not communicating," Storms said.

Sometimes, you can get the struggling individual to rescue him or herself, he said.

"Tell them to 'swim toward my voice,'" Storms said. "Grab a pole and reach it towards them to have them grab it. That's the safest way to do it."

Lastly, he emphasized alcohol does not mix when it comes to having fun at any body of water.

"You have to be alert on the water and cautious at all times," he said.