ROSEBURG, Ore (KMTR) -- We're expecting some beautiful weather for the long weekend, but if you're headed to the coast or a river or any body of water, safety officials want to remind you of the many dangers that come along with water recreation.
Drowning is always a concern during the Labor Day weekend. Officials can't stress it enough: the most important thing to do is always wear your life jacket. But don't just put any life jacket on - make sure it's your size and is properly secured.
Also, water and alcohol never mix well. Use common sense and stay out of deep or swift water.
Another important tip from officials:don't overestimate your own abilities.
"A lot of time, people think they're expert swimmers and they've swam their whole life, but swimming in a pool or pond is completely different than swift water,” says Nick Wecks of the Douglas County Fire District No.2’s Swift Water Rescue Team.
“Even expert swimmers, like ourselves, we'll wear thermal protection and PFDs (Personal Flotation Devices), or our lifejackets, on the water as well.”
In Douglas County, the team expects a lot of people out on the North Umpqua River. They say though the weather is hot, the water is still very cold. Getting trapped in it for just a short time could force your body into hypothermia.
Fire District No. 2’s Swift Water Rescue Team has already responded to ten water rescue calls this summer. They can't stress the importance of a life jacket enough.
They say if everyone wore life jackets, it would make their job a whole lot easier.
