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Parks officials warn of high water levels, fast currents in wake of recent North Country drowning

Posted 7/3/13

After one confirmed drowning and another suspected drowning in the North Country, state parks officials are warning of high water levels and swift currents in local rivers and streams this holiday …

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Parks officials warn of high water levels, fast currents in wake of recent North Country drowning

Posted

After one confirmed drowning and another suspected drowning in the North Country, state parks officials are warning of high water levels and swift currents in local rivers and streams this holiday week.

The state Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation is warning boaters and swimmers heading into the water to be mindful of potentially dangerous conditions after recent heavy rainfall and flooding.

One Massena youngster drowned last week trying to swim across the Grasse River, and another Massena man is presumed drowned in the Hudson River in Warren County after witnesses saw him go over some falls in a raft and disappear Sunday.

“These conditions may pose unexpected dangers to boaters," Commissioner Rose Harvey said. "Before setting out, we urge boaters to make sure they understand the conditions they’ll face and avoid bodies of water that may be unsafe. Don’t let a poorly planned boating trip turn your holiday into a tragedy.”

Knowledgeable authorities strongly recommend wearing life jackets, especially while aboard small manual watercraft such as rowboats and canoes.

They also recommend that all boaters:

• properly equip and carry essential safety gear, signaling devices and whistles

• always let others know where you’re going and when to expect your return

• take a boating safety or paddle sport skills course

• refrain from mixing alcohol with boating.

For more information about boating safety, including listings of boating safety courses and marine recreation in New York State, visit www.nysparks.com/recreation/boating.