Officials pushing river safety

By RUSTY DENNEN

Thousands of people will be drawn to the cooling waters of the Rappahannock River this holiday weekend.

If they're not careful, some may not be around to enjoy another Fourth of July.

That's the warning Stafford County and Fredericksburg officials have for anyone venturing into the Rappahannock to swim, fish, tube, wade or paddle. The seemingly calm river is full of hidden perils.

Drowning is a danger in all area waterways: This week alone, two men drowned in separate incidents--at Wilderness Camp-ing Resort in Spotsylvania County, and in the Potomac River off King George County.

"We get especially concerned around July Fourth because we have so many visitors from out of town who are not familiar with the Rappahannock. We do not want anyone getting hurt in the river, or worse, drowning," said Cathy Riddle, spokeswoman for Stafford County.

The numbers are sobering: 85 people have drowned in the river since 1985. The last ones were in June 2008. The victims were a 51-year-old Stafford man and a teenager from Maryland.

"The Rappahannock River is one of our national treasures," said Stafford County Administrator Anthony Romanello. "People from all over come here to enjoy it. But it can be deadly to those who do not take the proper safety precautions, which include wearing a personal floatation device at all times."

They are available, free, to all visitors during posted hours at the Historic Port of Falmouth Waterfront Park in Stafford. Attendants hand them out.

Still, people take their chances. Several have already been in distress in the river this year, requiring a rescue response.

Occasionally, swimmers from Old Mill Park in Fredericksburg are unable to make it across the river on their own.

Signs posted on the shore contain lifesaving river-safety information, in English and Spanish.

Fredericksburg City Manager Beverly Cameron said that the calm surface of the river can be deceptive.

"Strong currents, debris such as tree branches and slippery rocks have caused injuries and deaths. It is safer to enjoy the river from somewhere outside the water, rather than in it."

Rusty Dennen: 540/374-5431
Email: rdennen@freelancestar.com

RIVER SAFETY TIPS

Follow these guidelines from the American Red Cross in case of a water emergency:

Call 911 immediately and identify the location of the emergency with as much information as possible.

No additional people should enter the water to lend assistance to those in distress. Remember: "Reach or throw-don't go."

Never swim alone, and swim in areas supervised by a lifeguard.

Read and obey all rules and posted signs.

Set water safety rules for the whole family based on swimming abilities--for example, inexperienced swimmers should stay in water less than chest deep.

Be aware! The river bottom is uneven and may drop off suddenly. Strong tides and currents can turn an event that began as fun into a tragedy.

Wear shoes: There may be broken glass on the bottom.

Do not dive into the water. A feet-first entry is much safer than diving.

Date published: 7/2/2010

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