GAME & FISH COMMISSION BOATING AND WATER SAFETY INFO


SPECIAL TO THE COMMERCIAL

Boating and water safety information was recently announced by the Arkansas Game & Fish Commission in conjunction with the United States Coast Guard Auxiliary and by the Southeast Arkansas Chapter of the American Red Cross.

Game & Fish course

The Game & Fish commision and the Coast Guard auxiliary will hold a free safe boating class from 6-9 p.m. July 21 and July 23 at the commission Headquarters on Natural Resources Drive in Little Rock.

The boater will learn skills necessary to give the student adequate confidence and knowledge in operating a vessel successfully and safely.

Topics will include boating rules of the road, legal requirements for boats, boat handling, practical seamanship, docking and other subjects. Arkansas law requires anyone born after Jan. 1, 1986, be certified by taking a safe boating course before operating a water craft on Arkansas waters. Regardless of age, everyone involved in boat operations is encouraged to participate in the safe boating training to help avoid accidents on the water. Most insurance companies provide a discount to boat owners who successfully complete the boating course. The Boat Arkansas certification is recognized nationally.

Details: Call 501-223-6300 or to enroll on-site or call Pauline McKee at 510-982-9207.

Red Cross suggestions

The Red Cross recently issued the following water safety tips:

  • Swim in designated areas supervised by lifeguards.

  • Always swim with a buddy; do not allow anyone to swim alone.

  • Ensure that everyone in the family learns to swim well. Enroll in age-appropriate Red Cross

    water orientation and Learn-to-Swim courses.

  • Never leave a young child unattended near water and do not trust a child’s life to another child;

    teach children to always ask permission to go near water.

  • Have young children or inexperienced swimmers wear U.S. Coast Guard-approved life jackets

    around water, but do not rely on life jackets alone.

  • If you have a pool, secure it with appropriate barriers — many children who drown in home pools were out of sight for less than five minutes and in the care of one or both parents at the time.

  • Actively supervise children whenever around water — even if lifeguards are present.

    Always stay within arm’s reach of young children.

  • Avoid distractions when supervising children around water.

  • If a child is missing, check the water first. Seconds count in preventing death or disability.

  • Know how and when to call 911 or the local emergency number.

  • Enroll in Red Cross water safety, first aid and CPR courses to learn how to respond.

  • Have appropriate equipment, such as reaching or throwing equipment, a cell phone, life jackets and a first aid kit.

  • Visit RedCross.org for more swimming and water safety tips.

  • Contact Red Cross to find out which aquatic facilities in the area offer Red Cross courses, and sign up.

    Details: Contact the Southeast Arkansas Chapter of the American Red Cross, 211 W. Third Ave., Suite 250, Pine Bluff, Ark., 71601 or call 534-7312.

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