Latest news with #CoastGuard-approved
Axios
4 days ago
- Health
- Axios
Drowning deaths are rising in Virginia waters. Here's how to stay safe
Thirteen children under the age of five have died from drowning in Virginia so far this year, state health officials tell Axios. Why it matters: It's a heartbreaking number by any measure, and reason enough to dedicate some space to drowning prevention tips on this World Drowning Prevention Day, especially given the incoming high heat. Threat level: Of the 13 drowning deaths of children under the age of five this year, nine have happened in swimming pools and since Memorial Day, VDH tells Axios. That's the highest number of annual child drowning deaths in the state since at least 2021. Drowning is the leading cause of death for children ages 1-4, according to the CDC. But it's not just children. There have been 23 other drowning deaths in the state so far this year, per preliminary data from VDH. Stunning stat: Nearly 500 people died from accidental drowning in Virginia between 2020 and 2024, per VDH. What they're saying: "This increase that we've seen is tragic," Briana Bill, VDH's environmental health coordinator, tells Axios. "We're just trying to do whatever it is that we can to educate people and empower them to take care of each other and to watch out for each other." Zoom in: Here's what you need to know to keep yourself and family safe, according to Bill. 🪜Know what drowning looks like — a person's mouth is usually at water level, they are quiet and they look like they're climbing a ladder. 👀 Do not leave children unsupervised in any water at any time: "If your eyes aren't on them, get them out of the water," she says. 🚫 Restrict access to pools with gates and fences, including by removing the ladder from above-ground pools. 🛟 Teach your kids to swim, and if they don't know how, use Coast Guard-approved life jackets. Arm floaties, water wings and pool noodles are toys, not life-saving devices. 😮💨 Know CPR. "Bystander-initiated is the most effective way" to save someone who's drowning. 🌊 If you're on the James, be mindful of your surroundings. "Your spot may not move, but the river does," as do debris, downed trees and other hazards. The bottom line: If you're in the water or in charge of children in the water, be alert, keep an eye out for each other, and don't leave children unattended.
Yahoo
01-07-2025
- Climate
- Yahoo
Beach safety tips ahead of big July 4 weekend: How to escape rip currents and more
Summer has arrived, which means beaches are overflowing with vacationers itching to plunge into the picturesque Atlantic Ocean. Before wading into the water, here's a look at how to remain safe when swimming this summer season. According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), rip currents are channeled currents of water that flow away from shoreline, through the surf zone, and past the line of breaking waves. Although rip currents most often happen at low tide, they can occur at any time. Lifeguards are trained to look for indicators such as discolored water, fewer breaking waves, and lines of foam, seaweed or other floating debris. ALL TO KNOW ON 100TH PONY PENNING: Chincoteague Pony Swim, Auction at 100th year, with grand festivities, heightened security Swimmers should do the following when caught in a rip current, according to the NOAA: Don't fight the current. Try to remain calm to conserve energy. Swim across the current in a direction following the shoreline. When out of the current, swim and angle away from the current and towards shore. HAIL TO THE STATE CHAMPS: Midway through decade, which Bayside South teams have won state championships in 2020s? The National Park Service (NPS) advises swimmers to check for rip current advisories at a park visitor center or on NOAA's beach forecast prior to entering the water. Here are some additional swimming tips, according to the NPS: Always swim with a buddy. Children should swim only with adult supervision. Do not jump or dive from the docks at any tide height. Be alert for boats, as boaters may not see you in the water. Watch the weather. Don't swim during thunderstorms when lightning is dangerous. Non-swimmers should use Coast Guard-approved flotation vests, even while wading. Watch your footing when wading, as sudden changes in depth can occur even in the bay. Don't wear shiny objects when swimming, as these objects may attract sharks and other fish. Swim sober, because alcohol can affect your judgment and body temperature, impairing your ability to swim. BIG BUSINESS NEWS ALL AROUND: Ocean City welcomes new big Boardwalk restaurant, plus oceanfront bar | What's Going There Although Assateague Island National Seashore is still without lifeguards, swimming is permitted. The park, famous for its beautiful beaches and wild horses, remains open in both states. For information about hours and much more, visit the Assateague Island National Seashore website. Olivia Minzola covers communities on the Lower Shore. Contact her with tips and story ideas at ominzola@ This article originally appeared on Salisbury Daily Times: Beach safety tips: How to remain safe when swimming this summer season
USA Today
25-06-2025
- Climate
- USA Today
Capsized boat accident on Lake Tahoe: What we know
This story has been updated. A powerboat capsized Saturday, June 21, on Lake Tahoe amid a sudden afternoon storm, leaving eight passengers dead and two rescued More: Breaking: One of two missing boaters in Lake Tahoe tragedy found dead Sunday night by sheriff Here's what we know about the incident as of 11:30 a.m. on Tuesday, June 24. What kind of boat capsized on Lake Tahoe? According to Coast Guard officials, the boat was a gold 27-foot vessel built by Chris-Craft, a Florida-based powerboat manufacturer. Where did the boat capsize on Lake Tahoe? The boat capsized off the shoreline near D.L. Bliss State Park on the southwest side of Lake Tahoe. Who were the passengers on the Lake Tahoe boat that capsized? The El Dorado Sheriff's Office, which is leading the investigation into the boating accident, released the names of the eight victims. They are: Joshua Pickles was an executive with food delivery platform DoorDash. Here's a closer look at those who died. Were passengers on the capsized boat on Lake Tahoe wearing life jackets? There was no immediate information about if any of the boaters were wearing life jackets. It's recommended that personal flotation devices be worn while aboard motorized vessels, but California law requires them only for passengers 13 years of age and younger. Coast Guard-approved life vests must be carried and readily accessible for each passenger if the vessel is 16 feet or longer. The 27-foot Chris-Craft boat would fall under this definition. The National Park Service warns that water temperatures below 70 degrees can cause hypothermia within minutes. In 50-degree water, a person can survive for about 10 minutes before being unable to save themself, NPS said. With a life jacket, someone might survive for an hour before hypothermia sets in. The Tahoe Environmental Research Center at UC-Davis is reporting the alpine lake's water temperature is just over 58 degrees on Sunday. What were weather conditions like when the boat capsized on Lake Tahoe? The boat that capsized was just one of many that were damaged by the sudden storm on Saturday. The National Weather Service reported a temperature drop at nearby Emerald Bay from 50° F at noon to 38° F at 3 p.m., approximately the time the boat capsized. Wind gusts topped 35 mph, with snow and rain falling in the immediate area; swells were reported as high as eight feet. Which agencies responded to the capsized boat on Lake Tahoe? The El Dorado Sheriff's Office is the lead agency for rescue and investigation efforts, and several other agencies also have assisted. Coast Guard personnel responded to initial reports of the capsized boat and launched an air search Saturday afternoon into Sunday morning. Seasonal lifeguards on nearby beaches also responded to the incident. Where is Lake Tahoe? Lake Tahoe is a freshwater lake high in the Sierra Nevada range, straddling the border between Nevada and California. It trails only the Great Lakes in total water volume and is renowned for its clarity. The majority of its surface area, including the site of the boat accident, is in California. Since 1969, Nevada and California have worked to address issues regarding development and environmental concerns through the Bi-State Compact and the Tahoe Regional Planning Agency. What are conditions like at Lake Tahoe this week? A sudden shift in the weather brought unseasonably cool temperatures to the region and dropped snow to the Sierra on the first full day of summer on Saturday, June 21, and adverse weather conditions are expected to continue for the coming days. The National Weather Service predicts a slight chance of showers and thunderstorms for the Lake Tahoe area through Tuesday, with clear skies and daytime highs in the 60s and 70s through Sunday.
Style Blueprint
25-06-2025
- Lifestyle
- Style Blueprint
The Best Boating Accessories for Lake Days: Coolers, Cover-Ups & More!
Share with your friends! Pinterest LinkedIn Email Flipboard Reddit When you're heading out for a day on the lake, the right boating accessories can mean the difference between a good day and a great one. From coolers and safety essentials to stylish sun hats and cover-ups, this guide has you covered with essentials for boating, kayaking, paddle boarding, or simply lounging around the shore. This article contains product affiliate links. We may receive a commission if you make a purchase after clicking on one of these links. Essential Boating Accessories Wheeled hard cooler The YETI Roadie 48 cooler is built for serious chill and easy transport, complete with a retractable handle, durable wheels, and enough space to fit 76 cans or 54 pounds of ice. It's tall enough to hold upright wine bottles and has a removable dry goods basket, making it perfect for long days on the lake. Pin Cooler backpack If you're looking for something lighter, the Corkcicle EOLA cooler backpack offers hands-free convenience without sacrificing chill power. With room for 12 cans and five wine bottles, this waterproof cooler keeps contents cold all day — and looks good doing it, thanks to its sleek design, comfy straps, and food-safe interior. Pin Floating cooler This floating cooler is the ultimate on-the-water companion, designed to tow effortlessly behind your kayak or SUP. With a 32-quart capacity, double-lid design for easy access, and up to 60 hours of cold retention, it's perfect for keeping drinks chilled and within reach, whether paddling, floating, or anchored with friends. Pin Tumbler with handle The 40-ounce IceFlow flip straw tumbler is perfect for keeping drinks cold and close at hand, whether you're cruising on a boat or paddling a kayak. With a slim base that fits most cupholders and a sturdy, easy-to-carry handle, this durable tumbler is built for adventure. Plus, its flip-up straw makes sipping effortless and helps keep plastic out of the water. Pin Kids' life jacket This HyperLite Elite kids' life jacket is a top pick for young adventurers, offering Coast Guard-approved safety with a snug, zip-to-fit design for kids 50 to 90 lbs. Made with durable Biolite foam and designed for a full range of motion, it's perfect for boating, paddling, and swimming. Pin Women's life jacket The HyperLite women's Indy life jacket also offers Coast Guard-approved safety with a sleek, lightweight design that doesn't compromise comfort or mobility. Made with quick-drying Biolite foam and HyperVent technology for breathability, it features adjustable straps for a secure fit, making it ideal for all your favorite water sports. Pin Inflatable belt pack life jacket The BOTE manual inflatable belt pack life jacket offers a sleek, low-profile design perfect for paddle boarding and other active water sports. It's Coast Guard-approved and designed for teens and adults. With its easy-to-use CO2 inflation, backup oral inflation option, and internal storage for a spare cartridge, this belt pack keeps safety stylish and streamlined on the water. Pin Waterproof phone pouch The Pelican Marine waterproof phone pouch is a must-have for any day on the water, keeping your phone safe, dry, and floating. With a secure lock seal, touch-sensitive clear window, and detachable lanyard, it's perfect for capturing Instagram-worthy moments, checking messages, or streaming music on the water. Pin BOTE Highwater slingpack The BOTE Highwater slingpack is a sleek, one-strap waterproof backpack perfect for kayaking, SUPing, or any waterside adventure. With a 20-liter capacity, submersible construction, and rugged zip closure, it keeps your essentials dry and secure without getting in the way. While you're at it, snag the BOTE Highwater waist belt pack — a fully waterproof, zip-up fanny pack that adds extra storage without the bulk. It's completely submersible and ideal for keeping your phone, keys, and other small items close by and protected. Pin Waterproof speaker Don't let its size fool you; the JBL Go 4 delivers bold, punchy sound in a compact, portable package perfect for boating or paddle adventures. With up to nine hours of playtime, waterproof and dustproof durability, and the ability to personalize the design, this little speaker is big on performance and style. Pin Sunscreen and lip balm SPF 30 kit The COOLA Organic 'Sun Essentials' kit has everything you need to stay protected and refreshed on the lake. The set includes SPF 30 sunscreen for your body and face, a nourishing lip balm, and an after-sun lotion — all in clean, dermatologist-tested vegan and gluten-free formulas. If you prefer a spray-on sunscreen, check out COOLA's Organic Sunscreen SPF 50 Sunblock Spray. Pin Beach towels These striped beach towels are oversized, ultra-plush, and made with premium cotton for unbeatable softness and absorbency. There are a variety of colors available, but we love the yellow and sea glass green. It's a stylish, high-quality towel perfect for lounging on the boat. Pin Floating keychain If dropping your keys in the water while transporting your bag onto the boat is a fear that keeps you up at night, you may want to snag this floating keychain. Perfect for boating, paddle boarding, or jet skiing, each brightly colored keychain includes a waterproof compartment to stash small valuables and keep them dry. Durable, compact, and practical, it's a must-have for waterside peace of mind. Pin Shoes, Hats & Cover-Ups Cover-up skirt The Elena cotton and silk cover-up is the perfect throw-on-and-go piece for effortless style after a swim. Lightweight and breezy, this chic-style cover-up ties easily at the waist, making it ideal for lounging on the boat or heading to a waterside lunch. Pin Button-down cover-up The Sunday in Brooklyn cutwork button-down blouse offers the perfect blend of breezy style and lightweight coverage. Its sheer fabric, relaxed boxy fit, and delicate cutwork detailing make it an easy layer to toss over a swimsuit or pair with shorts for a lakeside lunch break. Pin Tote bag The Original Bogg bag is the ultimate all-purpose tote — extra large, tip-proof, and built to handle whatever your day on the water throws at it. Made from durable, washable EVA, it's water-resistant and spacious enough to carry all your boating essentials. With snap-on buttons and included clear insert bags, it's as customizable as it is practical. Pin Waterproof sliders The Bombas Friday slide is your go-anywhere, do-anything summer staple. It's ultra-light, waterproof, and effortlessly stylish. Made from airy EVA with sleek, modern lines, it's the perfect slip-on for boat decks. Pin Sun hat The 'Squishee Halo' hat by Eric Javits combines style and serious sun protection, offering UPF 50+ coverage with a broad brim that keeps you cool and shaded. Lightweight and packable, it features an adjustable fit and a removable terry cloth sweatband, making it a chic, practical choice for boating. Pin Wide-brim cap UPF 50+ The Solbari women's reversible ultra-wide brim cap is the perfect blend of style and serious sun protection, offering a flexible brim and UPF 50+ fabric that keeps harmful rays at bay. Lightweight, breathable, and travel-friendly, this reversible cap features two color options, a ponytail opening, and adjustable sizing, making it a go-to for long days on the water. Pin Oakley Sutro S sunglasses A scaled-down version of the iconic Sutro, the Oakley Sutro S sunglasses combine bold style with high-performance design. Engineered for active days on or off the water, they feature Prizm lens technology for enhanced color and contrast, a wide shield for full coverage, and a lightweight, durable frame that stays secure, so you don't have to worry about them falling into the water. Pin Fun & Functional Accessories YETI can cooler The 12-ounce 'Colster' can cooler is the ultimate sidekick for keeping your favorite brews or sparkling water ice-cold, even on the hottest days. With a no-sweat design, secure quick-turn gasket, and cup-holder-friendly shape, it's made for effortless sipping on the lake or boat. Pin Wine glasses If you prefer to sip your wine out of a fun glass, even when boating, this set of HOST cooling cups is a game-changer. Designed with freezable gel to keep whites crisp and reds just right, these colorful BPA-free tumblers are perfect for keeping your wine at the ideal temperature. Pin Inflatable hammocks These fun and functional inflatable hammocks are ideal for relaxing in the water with four different ways to lounge. The multi-use floats come in a three-pack in bright colors and patterns — plus, the durable Oxford cloth design holds up all summer long. Pin BOTE floating chairs The BOTE hangout suite floating chair is the ultimate upgrade for your lake, pool, or boat day. It's made for all-day lounging with a comfy reclined seatback and soft, water-resistant BVA foam. D-rings let you link up with friends or stay tethered to the boat, while grab handles make transport easy. Even better? The MAGNEPOD base securely holds your magnetic drinkware in place. They're available in a set of two with a mesh carry bag for effortless travel. Pin Floating water mat The original Rubber Dockie floating water mat is perfect for the lake. It has a tough, tear-resistant inner matrix and a soft yet durable outer layer. The two-ply foam mat is designed to last and feel great against the skin. It supports up to nine adults and includes a 12-foot bungee tether to anchor it securely near your dock or boat. Plus, storage straps make it easy to roll up and take with you. Pin Inflatable paddle board Perfect for beginners and seasoned paddlers alike, the ISLE Pioneer inflatable paddle board is your go-to for a fun day on the lake. Made with military-grade PVC, it's ultra-durable and stable with a wide stance and six-inch thickness to keep you balanced. The soft EVA deck pad is comfortable for long rides, even with kids, pets, or extra gear on board. The board comes fully loaded with a travel backpack, adjustable paddle, high-pressure hand pump, coil leash, and more. Pin Portable kayak The Oru kayak inlet is made for calm lake days, with a clever origami-inspired design that folds into a compact box. Weighing just 20 pounds, it's ideal for anyone looking for a grab-and-go option. Stable yet nimble, this kayak features a large open cockpit to comfortably fit a small child or pup, and it tracks better than most inflatable kayaks. Tough, lightweight, and designed to withstand thousands of folds, the Inlet makes getting on the water feel effortless. Pin Cheers to an unforgettable day on the lake! ********** Give your inbox the Southern makeover it deserves — subscribe to StyleBlueprint's FREE daily emails! About the Author Kate Feinberg Kate Feinberg is StyleBlueprint's Associate Editor & Sponsored Content Specialist, based in Nashville. Kate is a plant-based foodie, avid runner, and fantasy reader.
Yahoo
09-06-2025
- Climate
- Yahoo
Water activities restricted on Clear Creek temporarily due to safety concerns
DENVER (KDVR) — Water activities like swimming and tubing are temporarily prohibited on Clear Creek in Jefferson County due to risks and safety concerns. The Jefferson County Sheriff's Office announced that waterway activity restrictions will go into effect at noon on Monday and will remain in place until water levels lower. Denver could reach 90 degrees later this week. Is that normal? Water height and flows are expected to rise as the snowpack continues to melt amid warmer temperatures in the coming days, prompting the limitations, according to the sheriff's office. Clear Creek is a Type IV water area, meaning there is increased public risk due to water temperature, blasted rock, undercut rocks, potential strainers and other safety concerns. The City of Golden shared this photo of conditions on Clear Creek on Monday: The restricted area extends from the western boundary of unincorporated Jefferson County through the eastern limits of Golden, including Vanover Park, a popular tubing spot near Ford Street. For now, some water activities will be restricted in the area, including those involving: All single-chambered air-inflated devices, such as belly boats Inner tubes Single-chambered rafts Body surfing Swimming As tubers flock to Colorado rivers, rescue crews urge safety and awareness Some activities will be allowed, but the sheriff's office said recreators are encouraged to be extremely cautious due to safety concerns around swiftly moving water and floating debris. The following are exempt from the restrictions: Kayaks Whitewater canoes Multi-chambered, professionally guided rafts River boards Authorized users and occupants must have Type I, Type III, or Type V Coast Guard-approved flotation vests and helmets for water use, the sheriff's office said. The sheriff's office said it is working with local police to 'strictly' enforce the restrictions to minimize risk, and said violators could be issued a summons for a class 2 petty offense, which could come with a fine up to $100. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
