Local health, emergency officials promote safety in and around water

SIKESTON -- At least one drowning has already occurred in Southeast Missouri this year, but local health and emergency officials said there are several steps people can take in and out of the water this summer.

"You never know when an emergency is going to occur -- whether it's a family member a friend, a co-worker or a stranger. It's good to have those basic skills until EMS can arrive on the scene," said Sherri Brethold, health and safety director of American Red Cross' Southeast Missouri Chapter.

One of the best things anyone can do to stay safe in and around the water is learn to swim, Brethold said.

"No one, including adults, should ever swim alone," Brethold said.

Adults should practice "reach supervision" which means to be within arm's length of a child in case an emergency occurs.

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