Safety Advisory Issued for Swimmers, Canoeists, Kayakers: N.H. River Conditions Remain Dangerous
August 16, 2008
CONCORD, N.H. — A safety advisory urging extreme caution to be used by swimmers, canoeists and kayakers on the state’s rivers and streams was issued jointly today by the New Hampshire Fish and Game Department, the New Hampshire Department of Environmental Services and the New Hampshire Department of Safety’s office of Homeland Security and Emergency Management.Â
Weather conditions expected over the coming week could pose a “perfect storm” of potential danger, according to Major Tim Acerno of N.H. Fish and Game Law Enforcement. More rain is expected by Friday night, along with thunderstorms that could roll in with a weekend front; this would intensify already-high water levels in rivers and streams around the state. The forecast then calls for sunshine starting on Sunday, ushering in days of hot, humid weather - conditions that often encourage residents and visitors to seek relief in water recreation. This combination has proved deadly in recent weeks; four people have drowned in New Hampshire rivers and streams this summer, and emergency personnel have responded to numerous situations.
“We can’t stress enough the need for people to be aware of the dangerous conditions in New Hampshire’s rivers and streams,” said Acerno. “Current is stronger and water levels are much faster than they usually would be at this time of year. They are at flood-stage level stream flows in some parts of the state. The problem has not gone away, and more rain will only add to the problem.” Â
In an effort to control flooding, the Department of Environmental Services has been steadily releasing water from dams. While critical for flood control, this also has increased water levels in some waterways.
“It’s tempting for people to seek out the waterways to cool off from the summer heat, but this is not a normal summer. Be aware that river and stream conditions are not at typical August levels. We strongly advise everyone to use the greatest caution possible around rivers and streams,” said Acerno.
Acerno stressed the following safety guidelines:
- If you want to go swimming, use designated beaches and swimming areas.
- Be aware that it is easy to underestimate the strength of current when looking at a river or stream from shore.
- Be aware that summer algae growth and high water make conditions very slippery on rocks near waterways.
- Canoe or kayak in areas without fast water; watch for submerged debris.
- Always wear Personal Flotation Devices when canoeing, kayaking or boating.
The New Hampshire Fish and Game Department is the guardian of the state’s fish, wildlife and marine resources and their habitats. Visit www.WildNH.com
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Find safe hiking tips at www.hikeSafe.com.
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Wearing a Hat, Using Sunscreen Essential in Summer
June 18, 2008
LITTLE ROCK – You’ve got a chance to do some fishing, go camping or just roam around in the outdoors. You’ve got the necessary gear together. What’s next?
Be sure you take along a hat and adequate sunscreen, advise the personnel of the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission, who spend much time outside in summer.
Arkansas’s summer sun can be brutal right along with benefiting crops, encouraging swimming outings and warming tired bones. The hot sun brings dangers in the form of potential skin cancer and heat exhaustion – two situations no one wants to encourage.
Young, old and in-between Arkansans do not need to risk so much activity in the sun that they become exhausted. Slow down and drink water.
Virtually any liquid can fill the need, but plain, clean water is at the top of the list. Physical activity raises the need for replacing fluids in the body, so don’t be stingy with drinking water and other beverages when the weather is hot. Whether your refreshment is iced or cool or even tepid is much a matter of choice, although most medical authorities don’t recommend downing large amounts of icy cold beverages when you are extremely hot.
Protection against the sun begins with wearing a hat. This is a vital first step in keeping healthy, as it guards against overheating and overexposure to the sun. The preferred head covering is a hat, not a cap. Although the popular and seen-everywhere ball caps help some, a hat with a full brim will protect the head, face, neck and ears.
Aside from bringing on heat exhaustion, sun on skin can lead to cancer. It can happen to anyone, but dermatologists and scientists can point to groups in our population who are more susceptible than others to skin cancer. Whether you are in a high-risk group or a low-risk category, the potential danger is there, and it’s not worth taking a chance.
If you are going to be outside in the prime sunburn hours of 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., wear a hat. It will fend off harmful ultraviolet rays and keep you a little cooler.
Liberal use of a good sunscreen on skin is a partner to wearing a head covering. Most medical authorities say that a sun protection f actor (SPF) of at least 15 is needed. Most go on to recommend SPF 30. A wide variety of creams, lotions, oils and gels meeting this requirement are available at drug stores, grocery stores, sporting goods outlets and boat docks.
Take care of kids in your group, keeping in mind that water washes off sun protection. Apply more after you and the kids come out of a swimming spot.
Also keep in mind that water reflects sun. It intensifies the effect of the rays and even brings them up from the water surface to your face that is under a hat.
The essential Arkansas summer precaution strategy is three-phased – drink liquids, cover heads, use sunscreen.
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Personal Watercraft Require Attentive and Knowledgeable Operators
May 31, 2008
RALEIGH, N.C. - Propelled by jets of water, personal watercraft are fast and easy to maneuver, which is a large part of their appeal – and their potential danger.
“You need to know how your personal watercraft works and the regulations that apply to its ownership and operation before you get on it,” said Capt. Chris Huebner, the state’s boating safety coordinator. “Any maneuver that endangers people or property constitutes reckless operation and is breaking the law.”
Reckless operation, lack of proper safety equipment and exceeding capacity are the most frequently cited violations for personal watercraft operators in North Carolina. Another common violation is underage operators. State law restricts anyone younger than 16 from operating a personal watercraft unless:
- They are at least 14 years old and riding with a person who is at least 18.
- They are at least 14 years old and have successfully completed an approved boating safety education course, and have proof of age and safety course completion with them while operating the personal watercraft.
“It is also against the law to knowingly let anyone younger than 16 operate a personal watercraft who doesn’t meet those qualifications,” Capt. Huebner added.
For more information on operating a personal watercraft in North Carolina, click here or call (919) 707-0031.
To enroll in a free N.C. Wildlife Resources Commission-sponsored Boating Education Course, click here or call (919) 707-0031.
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