Fairfax County Fire and Rescue Department
4100 Chain Bridge Rd, Fairfax, Virginia 22030
703-246-3801, TTY 703-385-4419 and 703-385-1687
www.fairfaxcounty.gov/fire

05/23/2006

Holiday Boat and Water Safety Exercise Scheduled

Fairfax County Fire and Rescue Department units will conduct a boat and water safety exercise at 6501 Pohick Bay Drive, Friday, May 26, 2006, at 11 a.m. With the upcoming holiday season, water and boat safety should be foremost in residents minds prior to setting out on the water. A boat and water safety exercise is planned on the Potomac River conducted by firefighters of Gunston Fire and Rescue Station 20.

Firefighters will be available to talk about boat and water safety prior to the kick-off of the Memorial Day weekend.

Firefighters from the Gunston Station respond to many emergency water-related incidents throughout the year, including personal water craft and/or boat collisions, persons falling into the water or thrown about due to rough water or boat speed, mechanical failures, boat fires, and persons lost.

• Take a boat operator's and safety class.
• Perform a thorough operational check of the boat prior to launching.
• Let someone know where you are going, arrival and return schedule.
• Follow the Coast Guard's "Rules of the Road."
• Always wear the proper Personal Flotation Device (PFD).
• Stay alert while on the water; do not consume alcoholic beverages while operating a boat.

• Don't run when near water (docks, swimming pool area, etc.).
• Maintain CONSTANT supervision of small children and non-swimmers.
• If you're a non-swimmer always wear a Personal Flotation Device.
• Stay hydrated.
• Wear sunscreen and light clothing to prevent sunburn.
• Take appropriate action with severe storms, seek shelter, and avoid swift moving water.

• Call 911.
• Reach to the victim with an object to pull them in.
• Throw a flotation device or rope to the victim and tow the person to safety.
• Go get the victim, as a last resort.
• Know your own limitations and don't exceed them.
• Always be safe.

Fairfax County is committed to nondiscrimination on the basis of disability in all county programs, services and activities. Reasonable accommodations will be provided upon request. For information, call 703-246-3801 and TTY 703-285-4419.