Minnesota Sheriffs: Avoid Drownings, DWI's Over Labor Day

Minnesota and Hennepin County sheriffs are urging people celebrating Labor Day weekend to exercise caution in two common problem areas for the holiday: drinking and driving and dangerous boating.

Extra DWI Enforcement

More than 300 agencies are working to take drunk drivers off the road as part of the extra DWI enforcement campaign now through Labor Day. Minnesota had 115 alcohol-impaired driving fatalities in 2015, seven more than the previous year.

Water Safety

The long weekend is often considered the “final weekend of summer” and routinely experiences increased boat traffic on area lakes.

Safety precautions such as life jackets and adult supervision for children, weak swimmers, and non-swimmers in lakes or pools are strongly recommended by the sheriff’s office, according to a news release.

Life jackets are required by State law for children 10 years-old and younger when on a boat.

This year, there have been 5 accidental drownings and 7 near-drownings in Hennepin County. In 2015 there were 6 accidental drownings and 20 near-drownings.

“Every drowning is preventable,” said Hennepin County Sheriff Rich Stanek. “I want everyone to have fun this weekend, but safety needs to be the first priority.”

The sheriff’s office is reminding parents and caregivers about silent drowning facts:

• Drownings are most commonly silent.
• A victim (of any age) in the process of drowning can NOT cry out for help.
• It takes as little as 30 - 45 seconds for a child non-swimmer and it usually happens when an adult is nearby but doesn't recognize the telltale signs of a child in distress in the water.
• 88% of youth drownings occur while being supervised.
• The most effective way to prevent a drowning is to wear a life jacket.

Safety reminders for boating:

• Boaters should slow down and make an extra effort to act in a courteous manner on crowded lakes and rivers.
• Designate a sober boat operator prior to your day of boating.
• State law requires that children under age 10 must wear a life jacket while the boat is underway. It is highly recommended that all children and adults wear life jackets during boating.
• State law requires that life jackets are readily accessible for all people on board the boat. 80% of boating deaths could have been prevented if the victims had been wearing life jackets. (U.S. Coast Guard estimate)
• Be aware of the danger of a boat propeller. People in the water, who are re-entering the boat, have been injured by props.

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