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A 16-year-old Norwich boy died Thursday after being pulled from underwater in a pond at Hopeville State Park in Griswold on Thursday. The boy was reportedly outside the marked swimming area.
A 6-year-old boy drowned at Green Harbor Beach in New London. His body was found late Thursday after he reportedly went missing in the late afternoon.
The DEEP reminds residents that drowning is the leading cause of injury-related deaths of American children. When enjoying outdoors recreation, it is critical to remember that open water swimming has more risks associated with it than swimming in pools or at water parks, such as underwater hazards, low visibility and potentially changing conditions.
Here are precautions you can take when swimming outdoors, according to the DEEP:
- Drink Responsibly: Excessive alcohol consumption impairs judgment and reaction ability. Even prescription drugs may impair judgment. This can result in serious or fatal accidents while boating or swimming. Alcohol was involved in 37 percent of the fatal boating accidents over the last five years and has been a factor in a majority of swimming fatalities at Connecticut state parks.
- Parents Watch your Children: It only takes seconds for a child to drown, and this can occur silently once a child has gone underwater. Always watch your children when you are in or around water. If you are more than an arm’s length away, you’ve gone too far.
- Be Aware of underwater hazards: Natural swimming areas can have sudden drop-offs, inshore holes, large rocks or tree roots that can’t be easily seen from the surface. Diving and jumping into these waters can be hazardous.
- Take a swimming lesson: Increasing your water safety knowledge and swimming skills can help save your life. People of all ages should consider signing up for a swimming class offered at your local YMCA branch, American Red Cross Chapter, or municipal parks & recreation department.
- Swim in guarded areas: There are lifeguard squads at 11 state park beaches across the state. The lifeguards are trained in surveillance and lifesaving techniques. They continually monitor activities in swimming areas to prevent accidents, maintain safety and provide emergency assistance to those in need. Guards are typically on duty daily from 10 a.m. through 6 p.m.
- Swim only in the designated areas, and stay where the lifeguards can see you.
The state has developed beach rules for the safety of patrons at state park beaches that can apply to all beaches:
- No alcoholic beverages, glass, pets, or nudity.
- No flotation devices, only approved lifejackets.
- No snorkels.
- No rough play.
- No sand or rock throwing.
- No "throw-catch" activities.
- No soap or shampoo.
- No fishing.
- Keep the beach area around the lifeguard chair clear.
- Swimmers must stay off buoys and lines.
- Water and the beach will be cleared when lightning is visible or thunder is heard.
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