CFD demonstrates water rescue at Navy Pier, urges water safety as summer gets underway in Chicago

Yahoo

7 days ago

CHICAGO — The start of summer is upon us, which brings an influx of people to the city's beaches, along the lakefront, swimming and boating in Lake Michigan, and enjoying the city's pools and other bodies of water.
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That means it's also the time of year to emphasize water safety.
The Chicago Fire Department and other city and state agencies are urging people to be safe in, on and around the water this summer by making the right decisions and being prepared for emergencies.
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CFD demonstrated how they rescue victims from the water — using rescue crews on land, in boats and in helicopters — on Thursday at Navy Pier.
Here are some key tips and reminders for water safety this summer:
The law on the roads is don't drink and drive. It's the same on the water: Don't drink and operate a boat.
If you're operating a boat, you are responsible for everyone on board.
All passengers must have a life jacket. If someone is 13 or under, they must wear the life jacket at all times.
Speeding is not allowed. Again, it's the same as on the roads.
Chicago has 22 beaches. Chicago Park District lifeguards are on duty from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. at all designated swimming beaches through Labor Day.
Never swim alone or at night. … 'Remember: Swimming is only allowed when lifeguards are present and on duty,' Sam Jorden, the city's manager of beaches and pools, says. 'When in or near the water, always keep the lifeguard in your line of sight in case of an emergency and follow the beach rules for your own safety.'
The beaches all have flags, and they're very important to pay attention to: RED means it's not safe to swim; YELLOW means take precautions; GREEN means it's safe to swim.
If you don't know how to swim, it's strongly urged to learn how.
Learning CPR is a great way to be prepared for water emergencies.
If you are lost out in the water, pay attention to things like green signs, and try to be able to describe whatever is surrounding you in order to help rescue personnel find you quicker.
Do not try to test your swimming abilities on your own. … 'Respect everybody around you,' CFD's Jason Lach says. 'Know what your swimming capabilities are. Always know the Chicago Fire Department is here to support any operations.'
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