See myfox9.com
High water is slowing the efforts to find a missing man who leapt into the St. Croix River to save his nephew, but officials say the unfortunate ordeal is an opportunity to raise awareness about how dangerous fast-flowing waters can be.
Calvin Vang, 11, was rescued by a Good Samaritan who jumped from a 30-foot cliff after hearing his cries. He had been fishing with his uncle, 21-year-old Touhu Vang, when he slipped and fell in. […]
TIP 1: RESPECT THE RISK
According to Duncan, even the best swimmers should expect the unexpected when it comes to any river in Minnesota right now. […]
TIP 2: WATCH THE TEMPERATURE
The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources is also concerned about the high water; however, the water temperatures give them pause too. The average is running at about 65 degrees, and anything below 70 is considered dangerous.
“You can jump in that cold water and your body can all of a sudden go into shock, which will cause you to do an involuntary gasp,” Kara Owens, of the DNR said. “You can breathe in that water and it can take less than half a cup of water in order for you to drown.”
TIP 3: CHOOSE SAFETY, PREVENTION
Vang and his nephew were apparently fishing on the rocks bordering the St. Croix River before the boy fell and Vang disappeared. Duncan says there is nothing illegal about that; however, he says it is dangerous because the rocks are slippery from the river and the rain.
