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Parents and kids learn water safety tips
Posted: 07.24.2012 at 8:48 PM
Updated: 07.25.2012 at 8:30 AM
Jennifer Perez

Reporter

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MARQUETTE -- Amber Kinonen won't have to worry about her son being in danger while he's enjoying Lake Superior.

Tons of parents and kids filled Picnic Rocks, learning water safety tips.

"As a parent, it makes me feel a lot better knowing that they have this information. They know when it's safe to swim in and when it's not, the areas they should swim in," said Kinonen.

Since the 1960s, fifteen people have drowned at Picnic Rocks after getting caught in a channel current.

Ron Kinnunen, one of the instructors at the session, says this current forms near a break wall or rock formation in the water.

"Most people make the mistake, when they get into these channel currents, they try to get back up on these sandbars when they are trying to get out of the structure off the shore. Whether it's an island and they try to get back to that area; so it's best to go with the flow," said Kinnunen.

People also get caught in rip currents which occur in open beaches.

At the rip current session, kids learned how the current drags you back. When you are caught in one, don't fight it. Let it take you until you are out of it, then swim to shore.

Dylan Works, a kajak instructor for the YMCA, says it's important to be prepared with the right gear. Make sure your life jacket fits properly.

"A lot of people don't take them because they are good swimmers, but it doesn't matter. It's when you really need it is when you are going to use it. You are not going to use it 90 percent of the time, but it's that 10 percent of the time where it's going to save your life. That's why you should take it," said Works.

A good piece of gear to have is a tow belt throw bag. It allows you to pull someone to safety by attaching it to a kayak or throwing it from the beach.

You should also remember, if the conditions are windy and the water is too choppy, avoid going out.

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