Austin EMS captain urges water safety in light of recent drownings.

Central Texans are taking extra precautions this summer to stay safe while beating the heat. The recent drowning incidents in Lake Travis have reminded everyone of the importance of safety before hitting the water. Austin Travis County EMS Captain Darren Noak has offered some safety reminders to keep everyone safe.

“We want to encourage everyone on a boat to wear a lifejacket, especially weaker swimmers and children,” says Noak. According to the Texas Department of Family and Protective Services, drowning is the leading accidental cause of death for children under the age of five. Noak emphasizes the importance of keeping a close eye on children to prevent tragedies.

“It’s a good idea to assign a water guardian whose specific goal is to watch everyone in the water and keep track of them,” Noak advises. He also recommends knowing what drowning looks like. If you notice someone with their head tilted back, low in the water, gasping or hyperventilating for air, they may be drowning.

Austin offers many outdoor water activities to enjoy this summer, but Noak reminds swimmers to be cautious around boats as they emit carbon monoxide. “Swimmers who find themselves by the back of the boat can be overcome by carbon monoxide inhalation and become a statistic for drowning incidents,” says Noak.

In case of an emergency on the lake, Noak stresses the importance of knowing your location. “We have a new pilot program in effect where some of our medics are stationed on lake patrol boats with the Austin Police Department,” says Noak. EMS recommends downloading the What3Words app to locate the location of a boat or patient. This application assigns a three-word address to every 10-foot square on the globe.

The summer season may bring some fun experiences with it, but it is important to take safety precautions to prevent accidents. Noak emphasizes the significance of following safety guidelines to ensure everyone’s safety.