Stay safe on the water: Marshall Health Network shares top tips for summer safety

As temperatures rise and families head to lakes, rivers and pools, Marshall Health Network is reminding the community to keep water safety top of mind. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, drowning is a leading cause of unintentional injury death in the United States, with thousands of lives lost each year.

From boating and kayaking to swimming and paddleboarding, summer water activities are a favorite across our region, but they come with real risks.

“Every summer, we see injuries that could have been avoided with simple safety measures,” said Errington Thompson, MD, FACS, FCCM, chief of trauma surgery with Marshall Health and professor of surgery at the Marshall University Joan C. Edwards School of Medicine. “Wearing a life jacket, avoiding alcohol while operating a boat and staying alert to changing water conditions can significantly reduce the risk of serious injury or death.”

Top 5 water safety tips

1. Wear a life jacket. Use a properly fitted, U.S. Coast Guard-approved life jacket, regardless of swimming ability.
2. Skip alcohol while boating. Alcohol impairs judgment, coordination and reaction time, increasing the risk of accidents.
3. Check conditions before you go. Weather and water conditions can change quickly. Always be prepared and bring essential safety equipment.
4. Keep a close eye on children. Drowning can happen quickly and silently. Always supervise children and consider designating a “water watcher.”
5. Know your limits. Fatigue and dehydration increase the chance of injury. Take breaks, stay hydrated and avoid pushing beyond your comfort level.

When to seek care
After a boating or water-related incident, seek medical attention for a head injury, loss of consciousness, difficulty breathing, near-drowning, severe pain or any visible injury. Even if symptoms seem mild at first, delayed complications can occur. The emergency departments at Marshall Health Network are equipped to provide immediate care when it matters most.

For more health and safety information, visit marshallhealthnetwork.org.