water safety

We had to remind the kiddos of these things while boating this weekend.

The expo will "highlight watercraft from the Duluth Fire Department, Duluth Police Department, the U.S. Coast Guard, and the St. Louis County Rescue Squad."

Sadly, the number of boating fatalities alone marks the most fatalities at this point of the year in more than a decade.

Boating season is the perfect time to review Minnesota's Child Life Jacket Law and to make sure kids still fit properly into their life jackets.

We are coming off a scorching hot weekend with people all over the state taking to the water, and around here generally means Lake Superior in which conditions can can change on a dime.

Boating season is here and it's a great time to remember that Minnesota law requires a life jacket be worn by children less than 10 years of age when aboard a moving watercraft.

I am hearing more and more rescues happening in the waterways in our area, we need to be careful.

I'll be honest with you. I haven't always worn a life jacket. I've had one in the boat, but rarely did I actually wear one until I had a very close call one fishing opener.

I was at the Northland Community Wellness Day this past Saturday and one of the exhibitors caught my eye.  Primarily because I use to be a Water Safety Instructor (WSI) at the Wrenshall Pool in the late 70's, early 80's.  It's a very fulfilling job knowing that you are teaching a lifesaving technique to students, some of whom are still in contact with me today.  If you need a summer job, consider

Summer is an awesome time in the Northland, with warm weather and plenty of lakes and pool areas to enjoy.  However, it's important to remember that drowning is the third largest cause of death among children.

One week-end we're talking to the Co-Ho Salmon Anglers in Canal Park and the next week-end we see several of them have moved from casting to out-rigging.  Fishing season is in full swing.  If you're taking your boat out for the first time this year, the  MN DNR provides a list to check for safety.

Boating can be a magical journey but can also be dangerous, especially on Lake Superior.  The City of Duluth wants to remind boaters that there is a water current notification system in place to help with your navigation.  I didn't even know this existed, but will check it out the next time I'm in Canal Park near the Aerial Lift Bridge...