Fredericksburg Parent

12 Fredericksburg Parent and Family • June 2024 Safety at the Water's Edge As temperatures rise, families across our area are eager to cool off at the water's edge. While beaches, rivers, and pools offer summertime fun, parents should keep water safety at the fore- front as even idyllic scenes of family fun can quickly turn tragic. According to Briana Bill, environmental health coordinator at the office of Environmental Health Services with the Virginia Department of Health, drowning is the second leading cause of acci- dental death among children in our state. From 2016 to 2020, 48% of drowning victims were age 19 and younger, with 13.6% of drownings occurring in pools. These striking statistics are a glaring reminder for families, especially as they head to a popular local spot, the Rappahannock River. Despite its beauty, the river can be unpredictable with hidden risks. Since the 1980s, there have been more than 100 drownings, with around 50 rescues annually. A lot of people think of [the river] kind of like an ocean beach, where it has a consistent depth," says Captain Jon Hensen, team leader of the water rescue team for the Stafford County Fire and Rescue Department. "Unfortunately, the river is not like that. You could be standing out on a rock at waist height and then take another step and you're in water over your head." Many locals have seen the need for more safety precautions on the river and have led the charge. April Peterson, co-owner of River Rock Outfitter in Fredericksburg, launched the Respect the Rapp campaign in response to a 2020 drowning on the river. This initiative, supported by local businesses and safety agencies, aims to enhance river safety through education and practi- cal measures. One key aspect of the campaign is promoting the use of life jackets. Peterson says that many do not wear a life jacket while on the river due to discomfort, heat, and concern for tan lines, as well as perceived cost. "Sometimes, individuals simply aren't fully aware of the risks posed by not wearing a life [jacket] and how easily those risks could be mitigated by its use," says Peterson. WRITTEN BY AMANDA DANAHER A local family enjoying the river safely. Respect the Rapp team enjoying a day on the water. April and Keith Peterson are far right and middle, respec vely. Local Initiatives Aim to Save Lives

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