Public Health offers tips for staying safe in and around water, begins beach monitoring next week

In spring and early summer, lakes and rivers in Southwest Washington are still cold, and water may be moving quickly

VANCOUVER – With warm weather in the forecast for this weekend, Clark County Public Health is reminding people to take caution in and around water – especially area lakes and rivers. In spring and early summer, lakes and rivers in Southwest Washington are still cold, and water may be moving quickly. 

“Temperatures may be warming up this weekend, but lakes and rivers are still cold enough to shock and immobilize even the strongest swimmers,” said Dr. Alan Melnick, Clark County health officer and Public Health director.

Public Health urges people of all ages to follow these tips for safe swimming and recreating in all bodies of water this weekend and throughout the summer:

• Know your limits. Drowning often occurs when swimmers tire.
• Avoid fast-flowing waters, including rivers and ocean beaches with riptides. 
• Don’t swim alone.
• Avoid distractions when children are swimming or around water. Children should be supervise