Water Safety Tips to Keep you Safe During our Alaskan Summer

Summer is one of the most beautiful times in Alaska to enjoy our Alaskan backyard. With longer days and the sun still up at midnight we have plenty of time to explore and spend time outdoors. While our families are taking to the water it’s important to keep in mind safety tips that can save lives while in or around water. Preparation is key.

Over three quarters of Alaska’s population lives on waterways and many of us work or play around water. If we are boating or spending time by the shores of lakes, ponds, or rivers we need to remember that water temperatures stay cold even during the summer months. Cold water temperatures are dangerous for our bodies and twenty percent of people that fall in cold water often die quickly due to cold shock.

Cold shock is indiscriminate and doesn’t care how strong of a swimmer you are. It causes you to gasp, hyperventilate, and changes heart rate and blood pressure. It’s easy to remember how cold our water gets in the winter, but we may get distracted by summer fun and forget how cold it remains in the summer.

What can we do? There are some easy things to remember:

• 1-10-1 Rule – When you’re in or around cold water it’s important to remember the 1-10-1 rule that can give you the best chance to survive cold water temperatures in Alaska. The 1-10-1 rule is that you have one minute to control your breathing, 10 minutes of muscle control and 1 hour until hypothermia sets in.
• Don’t forget your life jackets – Even if you’re a strong swimmer you should always wear a life jacket, and make sure your kids are wearing them too. A life jacket can be the difference between life and death. When you wear a life jacket it gives you time to control your breathing.

The life jacket supports your body so you can focus on protecting your airway and taking slow breaths. While you’re wearing your life jacket you can keep your head above water and observe your surroundings. Take that time to look around for safety. Can you get to your boat? Can you get to shore? Is there anyone nearby that can help you? It’s important to use minimal movement to conserve energy and warmth. Bringing your knees to your chest and keeping your arms crossed hugging your life jacket will help the major areas of your body retain their heat. This is known as the H.E.L.P. position or Heat Escape Lessening Position.

What do you do if someone falls into the water while you’re boating? The first thing to do is yell, “Man Overboard” loud enough for everyone to hear. Next you will want to throw floatation devices into water such as life jacket, ring, or empty cooler. Lastly, jump in and rescue IF you’re wearing a life jacket.

Alaskan outdoor bodies of water have unfamiliar and unseen obstacles, so it’s important to know what to expect. Always supervise your children and review water safety with them before you get near the water.

As savvy residents or visitors to the Anchorage, Eagle River, Wasilla, and the Mat-Su Valley we can keep safe by being prepared. We can enjoy our Alaskan backyard safely and create the most beautiful memories. We would love to hear how you’ve spent your Alaskan summer, please comment below.