Full Notification

HARRIS COUNTY, TX – Sheriff Ron Hickman is urging members of the Harris County community to exercise caution when celebrating the upcoming Memorial Day weekend.

At least 7 drownings in the San Jacinto River area were attributed to the intoxication, fatigue and poor swimming skills of recreational swimmers over the course of 2014.

Tragically, drowning remains the leading cause of unintended-injury related death for children ages 1-5, and the second leading cause of accidental death for children under 14.

While almost 90% of families with young children plan to be in the water at some point this summer, nearly half (48%) will do so in an area with no lifeguard on duty.

Research shows participation in formal swimming lessons can reduce the risk of drowning by 88% among children ages 1-4, yet many kids do not receive formal swimming or water safety training.

Intoxication, distraction, unfamiliarity with the area, extreme heat, fatigue and lack of swimming skills have all been factors in Harris County drownings over the years.

For more information on boating safely in Harris County waterways, visit The National Weather Service website: http://www.nws.noaa.gov/os/marine/safeboating/index.shtml