Stay safe this holiday weekend

It’s tradition to write this column about safety the week before the Fourth of July. Typically, I’ll tell you how to be safe with fireworks and how to avoid food borne illnesses. I’ll warn you about bug bites, sunburn and heat stroke.

I’ll give you great tips for first aid in the case of burns, cuts and broken bones. I’ll remind you that Bonner General Health Emergency Department is open 24/7/365 and to call 911 before you try to drive if you suspect you’re having a heart attack. Although closed on the 4th, Immediate Care will be open Sunday 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and daily 9 a.m. to 7 p.m.

But, today there are two subjects that keep bubbling up in my mind. The first was prompted by a news article last week that told about a fatal boating accident on Lake Pend Oreille. I have no knowledge of the details of the accident, so I won’t speak to it. What I do want to talk about is making safety the top priority when casting off the lines and heading into waves.

Let’s start with always wearing a life jacket. You must have an approved one on board for every adult and child in the correct sizes. The U.S. Coast Guard reports 76 of boating deaths in 2017 were due to drowning and 84% of the victims were not wearing the proper personal flotation device. Everyone on board should know where they are and how to put them on.

Know how many people your boat is rated for and adhere to that number. Your boat probably has a plaque on it telling you the maximum weight limit. An overloaded boat can easily capsize and even if everyone is wearing a PFD it can be dangerous.

I think everyone should take a boating safety course before operating a boat of any size. But, at least you should know the rules-of-the-road. That includes knowing which boat has the right of way which is especially important when towing a tuber or skier.

The National Safety Council cautions that when operating a motorized boat, you should know about carbon monoxide. This odorless, colorless poisonous gas is emitted by all combustion engines and onboard motor generators and can be deadly if not ventilated properly.

Before you leave the dock, make sure everything is in working order. Oh, and don’t forget to put the plug in. If you don’t, you’ll notice a lot of water surging in and it’s an opportunity for sinking.

And, lastly I want to warn you about boating responsibly. Not just knowing the rules but staying sober. It might taste good to bob around the lake quaffing a few beers, but please don’t do it. Alcohol affects your judgment, vision, balance and coordination.

The other thing I want to talk about today is Independence Day get-togethers. If you’ve been reading the front page like I’ve been, you know that our COVID-19 cases have increased abundantly in the last two weeks.

It’s up to you if you feel comfortable mingling with friends and family, and I certainly hope you won’t feel any pressure to attend a function unless you’re certain that appropriate measures will be taken.

Let’s start with face masks. People are probably expected to have clothes on, so just think of your face mask as a part of your outfit. Over and over the scientific evidence proves that covering our faces is one of the best methods of preventing the virus’ spread.

Avoid hugging. I know it’s hard, but an elbow or toe bump will have to suffice for now. Remind children not to jump up on their grandparents — or each other for that matter.

If you’re the host use disposable plates, cutlery, napkins, cups and straws. If guests are bringing food, ask them to keep it covered. Skip the buffet. Have one person dish up so not everyone is touching the same serving utensils. Also, assign one person to serve drinks.

Encourage your guests to stay six feet apart and to stay outdoors except to use the bathroom which you will stock with paper towels.

And, finally, I hope you have a great time. Enjoy the holiday weekend. Be safe. Be well.

Kathy Hubbard is a member of Bonner General Health Foundation Advisory Council. She can be reached at kathyleehubbard@yahoo.com.