Spring in Utah tends to invite people to enjoy our beautiful great outdoors! The sunshine and warm weather are appealing indeed but we want to take a moment to warn you of some of the hazards which can accompany these warmer temperatures.

Though Salt Lake City is experiencing drought conditions this year, there is still the potential for unsafe situations in and around water. Thanks to the American Red Cross for providing a few these tips to safely enjoy water in natural environments:
 

1. Employ layers of protection including barriers to prevent access to water, life jackets, and close supervision of children to prevent drowning.
2. Ensure every member of your family learns to swim so they at least achieve skills of water competency: able to enter the water, get a breath, stay afloat, change position, swim a distance then get out of the water safely.
3. Know what to do in a water emergency – including how to help someone in trouble in the water safely, call for emergency help and CPR.

SLC Fire crews, including our Swift Water Rescue team, are always ready and able to respond to emergencies in our City. If you or someone you know gets caught in an unsafe situation, please call 911 for help! Let's work together to help everyone enjoy Utah's nature safely.