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Open Water and Boating Safety

Whether you're swimming or boating, stay safe on the water with these tips from Sedgwick County Fire District 1:

Boating Safety

  • Perform regular maintenance and inspection of your boat. Fuel leaks and other mechanical problems could be dangerous.
  • Make sure you have a fire extinguisher on board.
  • Keep one life vest for every passenger and a flotation device you can throw to someone in the water.
  • Keep a whistle or an air horn on the boat, in case you need to get someone’s attention for help.
  • Stay alert on the water. Know where your passengers and other boats are at all times.
  • Scan the water around you for logs, tree stumps or other hazards.
  • If your boat is towing someone on a tube, surf board or skis, have a spotter watch and hold an orange flag HIGH in the air when someone falls into the water. This warns other boaters to stay clear.
  • Drink plenty of water and avoid alcohol to stay hydrated and alert. Operating a boat while intoxicated is a federal offense.

Open Water Safety

  • Never dive into a lake.
  • Keep a flotation device close by.
  • Avoid swimming alone or at night.
  • Never try to swim across a pond or lake without wearing a life jacket
  • Stay away from water that smells bad or looks blue-green.