Stay safe this summer with water safety

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Christopher R. Morales
  • JBER Public Affairs
JOINT BASE ELMENDORF-RICHARDSON, Alaska --  Warm weather and water sports are approaching, but so are the risks involved.

Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson has a variety of programs to prepare adventurers with knowledge and equipment to enjoy the water in a safe, fun way.

According to the State of Alaska Department of Health and Social Services, Alaska has the highest rate of drowning in the United States, with approximately 50 Alaskans drowning annually.

"The biggest threat is the cold water," said Rachel Roberts, recreation assistant. "Alaska is notorious for hypothermia."

Hypothermia is the third phase of cold water immersion, when an individual is in the water for more than 30 minutes. At that point, the person is likely to drown or have a cardiac arrest, according to the DHSS.

Boating activities were the leading cause of drowning, and half of those victims were not wearing a personal-flotation device.

The Red Cross recommends one should be prepared with a PFD, layers of clothes, to include rain gear and wool under a PFD, and high-energy foods like protein bars to survive in cold water environments.

To prevent any unintentional water injuries this summer, the Buckner Physical Fitness Center is offering their annual water safety fair which includes multiple classes and courses. They run from May 3 to 13 and showcase general water rescue, life jacket safety and more.

The Outdoor Recreation Center also offers a captain's class, which teaches boat safety and is -required before renting motorized boats on base. The class includes a cold water safety video, the Coast Guard safety course online test and a two-hour seminar.

Some of the information taught at the class includes marine communication, navigation rules, and boating laws and regulation.

Both the BPFC and ORC offer kayak safety classes which teach how to exit and enter the kayak in many different ways. To rent a kayak from the ORC for an individual trip, one of these classes must be completed and passed, but it is not necessary to join on a guided kayaking trip available later in the summer.

Never go alone on any trip, whether it is kayaking, fishing, or hiking, said Tyler Glenn, outdoor recreation director with outdoor recreation programs on JBER. Always have at least three people in a group at all times and have a plan; tell someone where the group is going and when to be back.

"Water safety is generally awareness; generally being aware of your ability and the ability of the people around you," said Deanna Jones, recreation assistant. "Never overestimate your ability."

For more information, call the BPFC at 384-1301 and the ORC at 552-2023.