GEMA/HS Dispatch June 2017 Edition | Page 22

By Kim Hatcher W campaign promotes summer water safety ith summer upon us, local agencies are reminding Georgians of the importance of water safety. Last year, more than 200 Georgians drowned while swimming, boating, playing near water or even taking baths. The state’s water-safety initiative, SPLASH, aims to greatly reduce the number of these deaths and injuries. SPLASH encourages citizens to follow these tips when enjoying beaches, pools, lakes, rivers and other bodies of water: Supervision – Designate an adult to watch children at all times. Do not assume someone else is watching. Prevention – Wear personal flotation devices (PFD or life jacket), install fencing around pools, and use drain covers in hot tubs and p