Officials Stress Swimming Safety As Temperatures Climb
Maple Grove, Minn. (WCCO) – With temperatures finally feeling like summer across the metro, many families hit the water Friday.
It's a good opportunity for kids and parents to talk about swimming safety.
Lots of families were getting out with their children at Elm Creek Pond in Maple Grove before the hottest part of the day.
The Red Cross says it's a good idea to have a buddy system when you swim, and young or inexperienced swimmers should have life vests.
"People have this misconception that drowning is just like it's depicted in the movies, 'I'm drowning I'm drowning.' Drowning is silent," said Tom Knisely, with media relations for Three Rivers Park District.
For parents, it's important to remain distraction free.
"So we talk about rules before we go in the water. What's a safe depth to be in, make sure you can touch, make sure you can see me and that I can see you – those kinds of things," said Anna Witherington, of St. Michael.
Even though it is hot outside, remember it takes a little time for the water to warm up. Last week, the DNR said the water was around 50 degrees, so you want to be careful. More than a third of all boating deaths happen in cold water in Minnesota.
