The Missouri Water Patrol is urgingsafety on the state’s waterways … and some simple reminders that can preventaccidental drownings.
Eight people have drowned inMissouri’s lakes and rivers this year. Two were from bridge jumpings, the other six boating or swimming accidents, some of them from swift currents, others from weak swimmers in over their heads.
Sgt. Jerry Callahan says often times,the rescuer becomes the victim. He says the patrol recommends thereach, throw, row, go method.
He says if you can’t reach themwith something — a branch or paddle — throw a PFD or other floating object to them. Or, you can row aboat or raft to them and if all of that doesn’t work, sometimes it’s best to goget help.
Callahan says those on the waterneed to know their own limits and wear PFDs if they’re weak swimmers. Missourilaw says children on boats must be wearing personal flotation devices at alltimes.