News

Swimmer Safety a Summertime Necessity

Posted: 5:28 PM Jul 1, 2012
Reporter: Steve Ross

Swimmer Safety- Steve Ross Reports

Saturday's North Platte Sutherland Reservoir drowning death of a 49 year-old Paxton man, following the Thursday drowning death of 19 year-old Richard Tucker at Burwell's Calamus Reservoir, is a grim reminder of the need for safety anywhere there is water and swimmers.

Grand Island's "Island Oasis" pool Aquatics Manager Chelsey Liess: "Just don't overestimate your abilities. You never really know, there's always undercurrents in lakes that are different than a swimming pool, and there's always cramps and things that can happen on hot days if you're not drinking enough water."

Lifeguards underscore that dangerous or distant lake and reservoir restricted areas are marked off-limits for good reasons.

Island Oasis lifeguard Dustin Ancheta: "The water gets too deep, they're getting away from their parents...my age, 19, you know, we think we can do anything, and you get more exhausted than you think. You're using everything. You think in swimming you can swim a far distance, and it's not going to happen."

Swimming safety experts say it can be a good idea to wear a flotation device even if you feel a little silly, because situations in the water can catch you by surprise.

Island Oasis patron Ryan Sorto: "Even if some people need a life jacket because they don't swim, it's nothing to be ashamed of, because it's the number one thing to keep you safe if you can't swim."