Water Safety Tips From The Hennepin County Sheriff's Office

The statistics are startling.

This July was the worst July on record in the past decade for drownings. There were eight drownings in Hennepin County last month, which is two more than the number of drownings total for last year.

So far this year there have been a total of 15 drownings in the county with 11 serious, near-drownings. There have been four children's drowning deaths in Hennepin County this year, all but two were in hot tubs.

Those total don't include the near-drownings, like in Hopkins.

In Minnesota, there were 27 drownings so far this year compared to only 18 last year. What's happening?

At a Hennepin County Sheriff Office news conference today Maj. Jeff Storms said the unusually hotter weather this summer has prompted people to flock to local water bodies and pools.

The conference came less than 24-hours after the double drowning in Plymouth at an outdoor apartment pool. Storms said it was the third time this year a rescuer—someone who went into the water to save someone else drowning—also drowned.

With 104 lakes and three rivers in the county, here are some of Storms' water safety tips that could help save you or someone you know:

1. Be aware of where your surroundings.

"Water is extremely unforgiving," Storms said. "If you are unfamiliar with the water, you are more likely to have an accident. Many people believe a manmade body of water like a swimming pond, pool, hot tub or whatever is a safe environment." Pay attention to who is in the water and what they are doing at all times, especially inexperienced or young swimmers. "Before you are done reading one page in your book while you sit there and aren't looking, someone could have drowned," he said. It can take 40 seconds or less for someone to drown.

2. Wear a life jacket. Make others wear one too.

"I've been to hudnreds of near drownings and drownings, and I have never recovered anyone who was wearing a life jacket," Storms said. "Make sure you are wearing one. Even some of the best swimmers in the world have trouble, especially if they're unfamiliar with the water."

The Hennepin County Water Patrol is responsible for investigating any water accident or incident reported that is in a body of water larger than a bathtub.

3. Communication is vital in saving a life.

If someone is struggling they usually can’t call out for help, but Storms said make sure you’re talking to the victim.

"If they are communicating with you they are doing OK, but obviously it becomes  a problem if they are not communicating."

You can get the struggling individual to self rescue, he said.

"Tell them to 'swim toward my voice,'" Storms said. "Grab a pole and reach it towards them to have them grab it, that's the safest way to do it," he said. "Often those who jump in to help are pulled under the water by those they are trying to rescue, like what happened yesterday in Plymouth."

Lastly, he emphasized alcohol does not mix when it comes to recreating at any body of water.

"Anytime you are in or around a watercraft you absolutely need someone who is not drinking at all," Storms said. "You have to be alert on the water and cautious at all times."

The double drowning in Plymouth remains under investigation.