Thursday, April 18, 2024
Nobody thinks it will happen to them. But, roughly 10 people drown each day in America, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
And drowning is 100 percent preventable.
Learn water safety tips and drowning prevention actions at the annual Lake Granbury Water Safety Awareness Day from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, May 18 at Rough Creek Park, 2209 S. Morgan St., near Stumpy’s.
“We’ve all seen too much bad stuff,” said Kyle Lewis, BRA Lake Granbury Lake Ranger and permit officer, who has spent 30 years in law enforcement. “If we prevent one, or two, or three, or any amount (of drownings), that’s great.”
There’s a misconception that drowning is loud, involves splashing, and someone bobbing up and down in the water, Lewis said.
“It is sudden. It is silent,” he said. Looking away for just a moment could be a moment too long.
At the end of the day, it’s about making sure everyone goes home safe, he said.
There were an average of 3,536 fatal, unintentional, non-boating related drownings annually between 2005 and 2014 in the United States, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
SAFETY DAY ATTRACTIONS
The water safety event includes fly fishing demonstrations with biologists from the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department.
TPWD’s Kid Fish program will help children learn to cast a line – and perhaps catch a fish.
The Upper Trinity Groundwater Conservation District water cycle interactive trailer display is part of the experience.
In addition, Carter Blood Care will hold a blood drive at the park. The blood drive will be from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.
“We do our best to highlight all aspects of water safety in an entertaining and enlightening manner with our participants, so every member of the family can enjoy it,” said Lake Granbury Reservoir Manager Connie Tucker.
IT’S ALL FREE
Water Safety Day includes free hot dogs and bottled water. Free life jackets for children will be given while supplies last. There’s no charge to attend.
The Brazos River Authority sponsors the annual event.
“We want to make your visit to the lake or pool as safe as possible,” said Tucker.
