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Water safety tips for Memorial Day weekend
NebraskaGDELTGDELT event0% biasedSat, May 23, 2026, 12:00 AM
0 of 21 sentences classified as biased · Model: roberta-anno-lexical-ft-v1
Water safety tips for Memorial Day weekend.Water safety tips for Memorial Day weekend Professionals urge lake and pool visitors to stay vigilant as drowning deaths remain silent threat LINCOLN, Neb.(KOLN) -An estimated 4,000 incidental drowning deaths occur in the United States each year, according to the CDC.Professionals say water safety should be top of mind for those looking to enjoy a lake or pool this Memorial Day weekend.“Water recreation is fun and enjoyable as long as you’re doing the things and thinking about how to be prepared and safe,” said Major Mike Thome of the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission.In movies, drowning victims are often shown calling for help.But that is often not the case in real life.“They’re not able to swing their arms in the air and flail and call for help, it’s very silent when it’s happening so you have to be diligent,” said Blake Collingsworth, author of “Josh the Baby Otter,” a book that teaches children about water safety.That is why there are stalls with life jackets at places like Pawnee and Branched Oak lakes to make safety more accessible.Thome said things like floaties and pool noodles do not cut it.“They really aren’t as safe and don’t replace a U.S.Coast Guard approved personal flotation device, for safety sake,” he said.There are other things people can do to keep others safe in the water.Keeping eyes and ears on the water with a designated water watcher is one option.“I’ll just focus on the water for the next 30 minutes and then trade off that responsibility,” Collingsworth said.Advocates say it is important to talk with children about personal water safety measures they can take.“Use the buddy system when they’re out going and doing things, look out for dangerous waters or dangerous obstacles in the water is a pretty important thing,” Thome said.Life jackets should be worn snug but not too tight with all zippers and buckles fastened.When worn right, they could save a life.Copyright 2026 KOLN.All rights reserved.