Latest news with #U.S.CoastGuard-approved
Yahoo
6 days ago
- General
- Yahoo
Man's body found in Lake Isabella day after he went missing
BAKERSFIELD, Calif. (KGET) — The body of a man who went missing after he went swimming in Lake Isabella was recovered Sunday, according to sheriff's officials. The man's name will be released by coroner's officials. At about 6:20 p.m. on Saturday, deputies were sent to the Old Isabella Road Recreation Site to a report of a possible drowning. They learned a man who went swimming without a flotation device couldn't be found. Search and rescue teams searched for several hours but couldn't find him and had to suspend operations at nightfall, according to sheriff's officials. They resumed searching on Sunday with the sheriff's dive team and found the man's body, officials said. The sheriff's office issued a reminder that 'wearing a U.S. Coast Guard-approved flotation device is a critical safety measure during recreation in or near water, especially in areas with strong currents or unpredictable conditions such as Lake Isabella. Life jackets save lives — please wear one.' Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
23-05-2025
- Climate
- Yahoo
Officials Urge Water Safety Ahead of Summer Season
WACO, Texas (FOX 44) — May is recognized as National Water Safety Month and as summer approaches and temperatures rise, many Central Texans will be looking for ways to cool off — and taking a swim is often the go-to solution. However, experts warn that it's crucial to stay safe and be prepared before heading into the water. Chris Bradford is the associate executive director of the YMCA in Waco. He says drownings happen more often than people may realize. 'The leading cause of accidental death in children between the ages of one and four is drowning,' Bradford said. 'Children are more likely to drown than they are to be in a motor vehicle accident. So if your child cannot learn to swim, the best thing that you can do is put them in swim lessons or make sure that they are in that U.S. Coast Guard-approved life jacket.' This same advice applies to area lakes, including Lake Waco. 'Life jackets only work if you use them, so we highly recommend that you're wearing them when you're out on the water,' said Arianna Jacinto, Lake Waco's lead park ranger. 'We have designated swim beaches here around our lake. We have Twin Bridges and we have Airport Park, and both of them are delineated with swim buoys to help keep boats out, and we also have life jacket loaner stations.' Jacinto said the life jacket loaner stations are free to use, and are available for anyone on the water. Visitors are encouraged to return the jackets after use so others can stay safe, too. Whether you're swimming at home this summer, at a public pool or out on the lake, the message remains the same — stay aware, be prepared, and always prioritize safety, no matter your age. 'You are more likely that your child does not learn to swim if you yourself cannot swim. Fear is transferable to our children. So if you have a fear of the water, your children will have a fear of the water,' Bradford said. Experts agree that enrolling in swim lessons is one of the best investments a family can make to prepare for summer. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
23-05-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Experts stress safety for the start of boating season
May 23—With Memorial Day weekend almost here and the start of summer just around the corner, local experts are stressing the importance of boating safety. According to U.S. Coast Guard recreational boating statistics, the period from May through September accounts for most boating accidents. The majority of these accidents are caused by operator inattention, improper lookout, operator inexperience, excessive speed, alcohol use and navigation rules violations. From the 2023 statistics, 10.77% of boating accidents were due to inexperience. "Every year we get a lot of new owners who have never owned a boat, and usually those are the ones that are the most dangerous," said Riverwalk Marina owner Steve Conner. "They just haven't gone through the courses or done anything to know what they're doing. A boat is so much different than driving a car." Alabama Law Enforcement Agency Officer Chad Dyer recommends novice boaters choose a less busy time than Memorial Day weekend to take to the waters for the first time. "It's easier to learn when there is less traffic on the waterway," Dyer said. "It's less stressful for you and safer to learn." Many of the accidents that Conner has seen or heard about happen when a boat driver comes to pick someone up. To avoid dangers, he recommends drivers wear a legally required kill switch cord, which will turn the motor off if they're thrown from the boat. A motorized vessel license is required to operate a motorboat in Alabama. Additionally, any child under the age of 8 is required to always wear a U.S. Coast Guard-approved life jacket. "The biggest thing that I can stress to people is wear a life jacket," said Danny Kelso, chief of the Morgan County Rescue Squad. "No matter if you're a good swimmer or not, sober, or young, it doesn't matter; wear a life jacket because you can't drown with a life jacket." When people come through Riverwalk Marina to set out on the water, Conner offers them these words of advice: "Make sure all your equipment is on board. Make sure you have enough life jackets. Make sure your lighting on your boat is working." Kelso also recommends boaters ensure they have enough fuel and a fully charged battery. He said people don't think about it and kill their batteries by playing the radio when the boat isn't running. If they do find themselves without fuel or power this Memorial Day weekend, the Rescue Squad will be available to tow them back to safety when they call 911. The National Safe Boating Council also offers safety tips, which in addition to Conner's recommendations, include sharing your "float plan" with a friend or family member not on the water, monitoring the weather before departing and keeping a functional communication device on hand in case of an emergency. Conner said there are a lot of common sense safety precautions during Memorial Day weekend that people frequently overlook. He remembers a time a group had a grill on board that they forgot to secure. It got knocked over in the boat and spilled hot charcoal. Conner also said passengers should avoid drinking too much, and the driver shouldn't drink at all. Alcohol consumption is another leading cause of boating accidents. "If people are going to drink on the boat, have a sober, licensed boat driver that has a vessel license," Kelso said. Blood alcohol content for a boat driver must be below 0.08%, the same as for the driver of a car. According to Coast Guard statistics, in 2023, alcohol use was the top contributing factor in accidents resulting in a fatality when the cause of the accident is known. Conner said boat drivers have a big responsibility because they're in charge of making sure everyone else is safe. — or 256-340-2437. Bernie Delinski contributed to this report.
Yahoo
13-05-2025
- Climate
- Yahoo
Waco YMCA Prepares for Summer Crowds as Temperatures Rise
WACO, Texas (FOX 44) — As Central Texas temperatures climb, the Greater Waco YMCA is preparing for an influx of visitors looking to beat the summer heat. With swimming pools among the most popular ways to cool off, the YMCA says it's taking extra steps to accommodate large crowds safely. 'We're trying to make sure that we have the capacity to take as many people as we can,' said Chris Bradford, Associate Executive Director of the Waco YMCA. 'We do have guards on all of our pools, and we keep a ratio that we have to maintain.' While the water offers relief from the heat, YMCA officials are reminding visitors to take safety seriously, especially first-timers. 'Acquaint yourself with the rules,' Bradford said. 'Most of the time, nine times out of ten, drowning happens to a first-time visitor of a swimming pool or facility. Make sure you know where you can and can't go.' Bradford also recommends the U.S. Coast Guard-approved life jackets for those who cannot swim. Lifeguards like Noah Johnson say they are also stepping up efforts ahead of the busy season. 'We are a team, so we help each other out. We're always communicating with walkies and we always have eyes on the water,' Johnson said. 'Then based on the amount of people, we have more lifeguards in the water, and that does alleviate a lot of the stress.' Johnson admits the job can be stressful, but said staying calm is essential. 'Fear is transferable,' he said. 'If I'm panicking and having a hard time, I think that's going to make it a lot worse. So even though I am kind of a little stressed out, I do try to keep my composure.' With summer just around the corner, YMCA officials claim they are ready to keep swimmers safe and cool. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Forbes
16-04-2025
- Lifestyle
- Forbes
The Best Infant Life Jackets To Keep Your Baby Safe Near The Water
The best infant life jacket is one that ticks all the important boxes: It should fit snugly, be easy to put on your child and be very easy to see in the water. My best overall pick, the United States Coast Guard-approved Stearns Child Life Jacket with Heads-Up Flotation, hits all those marks, but has a lot of other features to recommend it as well, like the way it works with babies of a wide variety of weights and is quite affordable. Moreover, the best value pick—Overton's Infant Flotation Vest—offers an innovative onesie like bottom to keep babies from slipping out instead of the more fussier crotch straps. Of course, keep in mind that life jackets are not foolproof. Alissa Magrum, executive director of the National Drowning Prevention Alliance (NDPA) says they are just one part of the water safety organization's recommended Five Layers of Safety which also includes supervision, barriers and alarms, water competency and emergency preparation. 'If one layer of protection fails, we can ensure there is another layer in place that can prevent drownings,' she says. Moreover, she says to make sure you purchase an infant life jacket that's 'U.S. Coast Guard-approved, properly sized and fitted, have a headrest, crotch strap, grab handle and is brightly colored.' Read on to learn more about our picks for the best infant life jacket. USCG-approved: Yes | Weight range: Up to 30 pounds | Closure system: Zipper; quick-release buckle | Material: Polyethylene foam and nylon Our overall pick is a highly rated life jacket that's as easy to put on babies as it is comfortable. Stearns Child Life Jacket with Heads-Up Flotation support babies up to 30 pounds and includes various features intended to create an extra secure fit including an adjustable chest strap and a leg strap to ensure your baby won't slip out of the vest, while closed sides make it easier to slip on and secure on a wiggly baby. The leg strap is also thoughtfully lined to prevent chafing on sensitive baby skin. The rectangle-shaped pillow may look bulky, but it is designed to provide maximum buoyancy. Other safety features like a convenient grab handle helps parents to quickly grab their child out of the water in case of an emergency, and the neon green color is easy to spot in the water. An antimicrobial coating helps prevent mildew or mold growth and any funky odors. This jacket carries an overall rating of 4.8 out of 5 on Amazon with more than 3,000 reviews, making it a bestseller. USCG-approved: Yes | Weight range: Up to 30 pounds | Closure system: Buckles | Material: Polyethylene foam and nylon If you're looking for a short-term life jacket for a rapidly growing baby or a one-and-done beach vacation, the value of this infant life jacket, that's priced significantly less than the others on this list, is hard to beat. The oversized collar is designed to provide extra head support, ideal for infants whose heads are still in that slightly wobbly phase. A surprising bonus: Unlike other vests with a leg strap that may feel scratchy to little ones, this one has a softer, elasticized fabric crotch (like their onesies) for a comfy fit they hopefully won't complain about. It's available in three extra visible bright colors, and has a grab strap for added security. Just note it's designed specifically for babies and toddlers up to 30 pounds, so any larger little ones may find it runs on the small side. USCG-approved: Yes | Weight range: Less than 30 pounds | Closure system: Zipper; adjustable buckle | Material: Neoprene Whether you're at the pool, a lake or the beach, investing in a life jacket that stands out clearly in various bodies of water is essential to a baby's water safety. 'Just as we recommend choosing brightly colored swim suits for children so they can be more easily seen in the water, we recommend choosing a brightly colored life jacket so the infant could be easily seen in dark water,' Magrum says. This U.S. Coast Guard-approved super bright model from Full Throttle is available in a variety of fun bright colors, but the highlighter yellow options really stands out in terms of water visibility. The front zipper and adjustable leg strap make it easy to get on and off and reviewers note that the zipper doesn't go up too high, so little ones can still comfortably move their heads. A pop-up pillow provides extra support for the littlest heads, and will flip them over to float on their backs should they accidentally fall in—with a grab handle so adults can quickly bring them to safety. It's also made of a 'rapid dry' fabric so little ones won't have to shiver in a wet life jacket when they're back on dry land. USCG-approved: Yes | Weight range: 15 to 30 pounds | Closure system: Zipper and buckle | Material: Kwik-Dry Neolite They may be having fun in the water with their life jacket on, but once they get out and the cold water hits, many babies are unlikely to remain happy. Fortunately, Gnar's super fast-drying (and soft) quick-dry Neolite fabric both wicks away moisture and prevents chilly wind from hitting their bodies to let little ones play, snooze, and cruise with little fuss. The fun and colorful retro design makes it easy to see in the water. Other features include a quick zipper closure, adjustable crotch strap so they don't slip out, double buckles for extra security, fully closed sides for comfort and a floatation pillow on the back with a parent grab handle for added peace of mind. USCG-approved: Yes | Weight range: Up to 30 pounds | Closure system: Zipper; quick-release buckles | Material: Polyethylene foam and polyester Parents know getting their squirmy little one into a massive life jacket is no easy feat. Fortunately, this O'Neill life vest is designed to be minimally bulky with a strategically designed cut and shape to keep babies safe while still giving them some flexibility to move around. The zip-up vest structure makes it simple to get the personal flotation device on and off, while an adjustable crotch strap and quick-release dual buckles at the waist keep the child extra secure. The Superlite Life Vest can be used with children up to 30 pounds chest sizes up to approximately 24 inches. The brand does note that this particular model runs small and to measure your child's chest and weight prior to ordering. At Forbes Vetted, we've extensively researched and published various content on the best (and safest) baby and kids gear for families. Like many other parents, water safety is of the utmost importance to us and we are committed to providing families the most up-to-date information to help them make the best choices on everything from the best baby pool floats to the best sunhats for babies and the best baby sunscreens. In addition to following guidelines set forth by the American Academy of Pediatrics and the United States Coast Guard, we also spoke with two water safety experts and advocates to find the best infant life jackets to keep little ones protected around water. Purchasing an infant life jacket is essential if you're going to be taking them anywhere in or near the water, but with dozens of models out there, it can feel overwhelming. There are several key factors parents and caregivers will want to consider when shopping around. At the end of the day, if an infant life jacket doesn't fit properly or comfortably, the baby will fuss and it won't work as effectively as it's supposed to. A 'snug fit' is essential for safety, says McKay and 'most infant models have a crotch strap to keep the child from slipping out.' Look for other features like adjustable waist belts and double buckles which help caregivers get a more customized fit for their child. The life jacket should never rise above the baby's chin or face. According to McKay, a proper fit is critical for keeping an infant's head above water, so what parents shouldn't do is purchase a life vest that's slightly too big thinking their child will grow into it. Both our experts recommend parents of babies look for Type II vests, which are designed for use in calm waters where rescue is likely to be quick and can turn the wearer face-up in case they fall in. Type II life jackets are widely available in sizes appropriate for babies and young children less than 30 pounds. According to Safe Kids Worldwide, 'These life jackets are best for kids who are in calm water and need extra head and float support.' Be sure to always check the weight minimum and maximum (which should be on the life jacket somewhere) to make sure you're purchasing the right one. Magrum also suggests looking for life jackets that say 'Infant' on the label itself. Most infant life jackets will come with additional head support that kind of flops like a pillow in the back to help keep their heads face-up and above water in the unfortunate event that they accidentally fall in. Look for either a float collar or headrest attachment. Parent grab handles are a feature parents should also pay close attention to, says Magrum. In the case of an emergency, or even just a boat going faster than expected, the handle gives parents a quick place to easily grab to pull their infant to safety. Both experts and the AAP agree: caregivers should only purchase infant life jackets that are U.S. Coast Guard-approved (which every item on this list is.) Whereas previously, the U.S. Coast Guard categorized life vests into different Types (i.e. Type I, Type II, etc.), as of January 2025, they're starting to slowly phase in a new system of categorization based on buoyancy levels which consumers are sure to see soon on labels. The numbers—50, 70 ,100, 150, and 275—will help buyers know what type of water the life jacket is designed to remain buoyant in. 'For example, the 50 level is designed for calm water and 150 is for offshore or rough water,' explains Magrum. So in the future, when shopping for life jackets, you may see both Type and performance level indicated on the label. 'There is no youngest age,' says Magrum. 'If an infant or child (or person of any age) is going to be in, on, around or near open water, they should be wearing a Guard-approved life jacket that is properly fitted and fastened.' Infant life jackets can be worn by kids up to 30 pounds, and are currently categorized as Type II by the US Coast Guard. 'Again, an infant of any age can—and should—be wearing a properly fitted and fastened US Coast Guard-approved life jacket,' she says. 'One hundred percent, yes,' says Magrum. 'You should put the life jacket on the infant (as well as on all the people who are going on the boat) prior to walking on a dock or entering the boat and it should remain on until you have safely exited the boat and the dock area.' In the case of taking babies out on boats specifically, McKay also reminds parents, 'The U.S. Coast Guard recommends not taking babies on recreational boats at all until they are at least 18 pounds because the U.S. Coast Guard-approved life jackets currently available for newborns up to 18 pounds may not provide a proper fit and it is hard to test ahead of time. The safest decision is to wait until a child is big enough to fit a child-size flotation device designed for the specific activity.' According to McKay, 'Life jackets don't have expiration dates, but they can become less effective over time due to wear and tear and exposure to the elements, and they do have weight limits.' She recommends inspecting life jackets prior to use for tears, rotting, missing or altered straps, zippers and buckles or rusting hardware. If any of these look suspect, they should not be used. Parents should also keep a close eye on the recommended weight limits to make sure they're getting replaced accordingly as their child grows.
