Evelyn Broom, 2, waits as her mother, Christi, off-camera left, and Carleena Angwin, off-camera right, demonstrate the proper fitting of a life jacket on a child. The Chattanooga-Hamilton County Health Department held a water safety event at Chester Frost Park on Friday morning to unveil their new safety campaign, featuring posters and tips.SAFETY TIPS• Use life jackets instead of other flotation devices.• Learn CPR and know how to respond in water emergencies.• When swimming with kids, designate a “water watcher,” taking turns with other adults.• Never leave your child alone or in the care of older children at the pool.Source: Chattanooga-Hamilton County Department
As Tennessee River waves kissed the shores of Chester Frost Park on Friday, someone in the media crowd joked about the semiannual water safety talk about to take place, calling it the “common-sense news conference.”
Chattanooga-Hamilton County Health Department spokeswoman Abena Williams responded, “You’d be surprised.”
On the eve of a long holiday weekend when many people will head to the water, safety officials reminded people to strap children in life jackets, avoid illegal drugs and keep alcohol away from boats.
“The most important part of water safety is constant supervision,” said Carleena Angwin, an educator at the health department. “If you have small children, keep your eyes on them at all times.”