Water Safety
Tragically, what is supposed to be the ultimate summertime fun recreation proves to be deadly for children. Drowning is the fifth leading cause of death for people of all ages, and the second leading cause of unintentional death for children ages 1-14. According to the U.S. Consumer Protection Safety Commission, in 2012, Texas led the nation with the most pool and spa drowning deaths of children younger than 15 between Memorial and Labor Day with 17 deaths; nationwide 137 children under 15 years old drowned in a pool or spa during this short summer period. However, drowning does not just occur in pools or to children. Boating accidents and drowning at lakes and other natural water settings frequently make the Texas headline news. In 2011, there were 32 boating fatalities across the state according to Jeff Parrish, the assistant chief for marine law enforcement. “Of those 32 deaths, all but 5 were of people NOT wearing a personal floatation device.” Texas state law requires a personal flotation device be available for each occupant of a boat, and those 13 and under are mandated by the law to wear it at all times while on the boat or craft. Texas game wardens and law enforcement reported 229 boating accidents in addition to the 32 above, and made 259 BWI arrests and 305 citations for no life jacket that same year. Having fun at the lake or around water definitely requires G.P.S. and responsible behavior. The Coast Guard reports that 75% of all deaths in boating accidents are a result of drowning and of those deaths, 84% were NOT wearing life jackets. ALWAYS wear a life jacket when you are on a boat or Jet Ski. Drowning is a silent killer. It only takes 30 seconds for a child to drown, so keep a lifejacket on children at all times when they are playing around water. Lifejackets SAVE lives.
g in n o is o P d o o F
Chill out this summer, especially any dishes with mayonnaise—like picnic favorites potato salad, pasta salads, etc. Never leave food outside for more than two hours in temperatures 90 degrees or higher. Ice ice baby… a cooler packed full and tight stays cooler longer than one with only a couple items in it. Always marinate your raw meats and seafood inside the refrigerator—not out on the counter where it can reach room temperature. Undercooked hamburgers are one of the leading causes of E.coli, so always avoid eating any hamburger that is still pink or red in the middle. Ground beef should hit 160 degrees in the middle, 145 degrees for steak, and 165 degrees for poultry. texappealmag.com
61