Fairfax County Fire and Rescue Department
4100 Chain Bridge Rd, Fairfax, Virginia 22030
Phone: 703-246-3801, TTY: 711 and Fax:703-385-1687
Duty PIO (Weekends/After-hours): 703-280-0694
Media Information Line: 703-324-3000
Email: fire-rescue.PIO-LSE@fairfaxcounty.gov
Website: www.fairfaxcounty.gov/fire

05/23/2007

Firefighters Conduct Boat and Water Safety Exercise

Fairfax County Fire and Rescue Department units will conduct a boat and water safety demonstration at 6501 Pohick Bay Drive, Thursday, May 24, 2007, at 11 a.m. With the onset of warm weather, water and boat safety should be a priority for residents prior to setting out on the water.

A boat and water safety exercise on the Potomac River will be conducted by firefighters of Gunston Fire and Rescue Station 20. Firefighters will be available to talk about boat and water safety prior to the Memorial Day weekend kick-off.

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

Boating Safety Tips

• 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.

Water Safety Tips

• 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.

In an Emergency:

• 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.

For more information, call Daniel L. Schmidt or Lieutenant Raúl G. Castillo, Fairfax County Fire and Rescue Department, 703-246-3801 and TTY 711. 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.