2017 LakeTalk June 2017 | Seite 19

BE SAFE ON YOUR LAKE THIS SUMMER! FOR YOU: • Look before you leap! The lake bottom is full of unexpected debris, from tree stumps to rocks and boulders. Other debris may be floating under the surface. It’s difficult to see these objects in our lakes unless they are at the surface. Make sure you are familiar with the depth and bottom of the lake and possible floating debris before you jump or dive into an area. Diving in is risky. • Reach or throw, don’t go. If you see someone who needs help, rather than jumping in to help them (in which case, they could pull you under), toss the person something that floats or reach them from solid ground with your arm, a pool noodle, or rope to pull them to safety. • Stay Aware. Remember, when someone is struggling or drowning, they are usually NOT making any noise. Be aware of your surroundings and do regular safety checks to make sure everyone is accounted for and swimming comfortably. • Focus on Children. Always stay within arm’s reach of young children and avoid distractions. 10 Most Important Water Safety Tips 1. Learn to swim 2. Swim with a buddy 3. Wear your life jacket 4. Obey all hazard signs 5. Swim in safe or designated areas only 6. Beware of drop-offs into deep water 7. Watch for hidden debris (e.g., logs) and slippery rocks 8. Look before you leap or dive (recognize that visibility is limited in our lakes) 9. Know your limits 10. Don’t mix drinking with recreation CA Department of Water Resources Friends of the Lake Bid Outgoing GM Bob Kimble a Fond Farewell Friends of the Lake would like to say THANK YOU and offer a fond farewell to Bob Kimble. As GM for more than four years, • Don’t Entrust Children. Never leave a young child unattended near water and do not trust a child’s life to another child; teach children to always ask permission to go near water. and surrounding fragile ecosystems and to implement restoration • Become CPR certified, so you can be ready and familiar with the latest rescue techniques in a worst-case scenario. demonstration / educational area was put into place, a buffer FOR YOUR KIDS Bob has supported many efforts to better understand our lakes efforts and better management practices. Under his tenure, nearly 2,000 Maryland native trees were planted, a lake buffer subsidy program was established, no mow areas were designated & have been maintained in many communities, Monarch way • Always swim where an adult can see you, and with a buddy. stations were planted, the Lake Linganore dredging cost-sharing • If you’re swimming in a public place (community beach, etc.), make sure to follow any rules posted about running, horseplay, restricted areas, etc. agreement was reached with City and County officials, lake • Always wear your life jacket whenever you are out boating. relationship with Hood College, Center for Coastal and • If you’re struggling while swimming, try to stay calm and look for the closest exit out of the water or a safe place to hang onto – panicking can make the situation worse. • Talk with your parents about what you should do in an emergency. Know how to get help and call 911. Source: The Lake Hopatcong Foundation water quality and biology monitoring and community reporting programs were established through an mutually beneficial Watershed Studies and their students. Bob always maintained that the community’s lakes and the Lake Linganore flagship are the community’s greatest asset and his receptiveness to new ideas and his actions were consistent with his belief that protecting the lake and its ecosystem is priority #1. Friends of the Lake wishes Bob and his family all the best in their new Arizona adventure. LakeTalk June 2017 19