RICHMOND, Va. (WRIC) — With temperatures rising and summer just around the corner, the American Red Cross is urging residents of the Richmond area to prioritize water safety as hundreds are expected to spend time in and on the James River.
Jonathan McNamara, the communications director of the Richmond Division of the American Red Cross, said preparation is essential before getting into an open body of water — wearing a life jacket, knowing how to swim, checking the weather and checking water levels ahead of time are crucial.
“And if you have a device, preferably your phone, that’s going to alert you in the event of severe weather or changes that could impact safety on the water,” said McNamara.
On Sunday, April 21, 15-year-old Jefferson Garcia drowned in Swift Creek in Chesterfield County. Despite an extensive search effort lasting over three hours, Chesterfield Fire and EMS crews found Garcia dead in the water at around 7:09 p.m. that night. Garcia’s is now the third body recovered from Swift Creek in the last year.
“That’s one thing we really try to urge to parents here in the community is making sure you’re supervising your children, making sure you’re sitting down with them before they ever head to the water and going through some of these basic tips to help keep them safe,” said McNamara.
The National Weather Service advises staying calm and swimming parallel to the shore if caught in a strong current. This will help you escape the pull of the current and reach safety.
“And that’s why having those flotation devices, having a plan in place [is important], because if you experience an injury or experience something on the water, that can change your ability in those situations as well, as the conditions can change rapidly,” said McNamara.
