Be mindful of these summer water safety tips

SALT LAKE CITY – As more and more people are hitting the pools and lakes this summer, it’s time to remind everyone of the importance of water safety.

In the latest Let’s Get Moving with Maria podcast episode, Maria Shilaos spoke with Cassidy Hadden, Utah drowning prevention coalition chair of 2024, to learn how we can stay safe while enjoying our water activities.

Water safety is important to discuss because it’s a common but risky recreational activity in the summer.

In order to protect ourselves and others, we need to understand the dangers that can come with it.

“For the state of Utah, most of us are getting caught up in outdoor or natural bodies of water. Part of it is not being aware of the weather or the state of the water that we’re utilizing, and the other part of it is not wearing our physical life jacket,” Hadden said.

The state law doesn’t require people of all ages to wear a life jacket while they’re out in the water. This means that although life jackets are nearby, not everyone wears them.

Hadden’s main concern is that anything could happen. Sometimes, you may not have time to put a life jacket on. Other times, you may not be conscious or responsive enough.

“In 2023 EMS responded to over 130 drowning incidents in the state of Utah,” she said. “There are still a lot of drowning incidents that are non-fatal that don’t even get reported.”

How can we best prepare ourselves?

There are three simple tips:

1. The first is to have life jackets prepared and ready for use.
2. Always have a designated water watcher.
3. Finally, be water smart and make sure you are aware of the water that you’re getting into.

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