RIVER SAFETY
June 20, 3006

During this time of year, rivers and streams can attract children and adults who are looking to find a cool place to swim and play. However, too many times people are seriously hurt or even killed by the strong moving current of a river. REMSA would like to remind everyone of some important river safety tips:

Tips for River Safety and Kayaking:

• Tell someone where you are going, when you expect to return, and where to call if you don't return.
• Be sure your white water skills and experience are equal to the river and the conditions you are facing. NEVER BOAT ALONE.
• Wear a properly fitted Personal Flotation Device (PFD) at all times when you are in or near the river.
• Be prepared for extremes in weather, especially cold. Know about the dangers of hypothermia and how to deal with it.
• Reduce threat of injury by wearing protective footwear and proper clothing.
• Carry a first aid kit and know how to use it. Learn or review medical aid responsibilities and CPR.
• Never run a rapid unless you can see a clear path through it. Watch out for new snags after winter and spring floods.
• Allow the craft ahead of you to pass through the rapid before you enter it. This will avoid a double disaster if the leading boat blocks the channel.
• When in doubt, stop and scout.

Rescuing Drowning People is Dangerous:

Drowning people often pull down would-be-rescuers by grasping and climbing on them.

REACH OR THROW (DON'T GO!)

Items you can reach with include:

• Branch
• Towel
• Shirt
• Paddle or anything between you and a drowning person

OR THROW them anything that floats. Such as:

• An empty Ice Chest
• A Ball
• Or Plastic Jugs

To set up a media interview with a REMSA representative, please call Scott Walquist at 775.686.2116.

REMSA is a private, not-for-profit emergency medical services system serving northern Nevada. REMSA’s state-of-the-art 9-1-1 dispatch communications center is fully accredited, as are all emergency medical transport services of the company. REMSA provides quality patient care with no taxpayer support or other subsidies.

450 Edison Way Reno, Nevada 89502 (775)858-5700 Fax (775)858-5720