Introducing the River Roundup - Vol 1

Oct 27, 2016 adminfrcc

Introducing the River Roundup - Vol 1

THE RIVER ROUNDUP – FRCC’s River Stewardship News Vol #1: 8/3/15

tubing in Satan's Kingdom

Hello Farmington River neighbors. My name is Stephan Bastrzycki, the FRCC River Steward for the Wild and Scenic Section of the Farmington River. Since this is the first ‘River Roundup’ newsletter, I wanted to introduce myself. I have met many of you over the course of the past year, but some of you that are new to our mail list may not know that this is the inaugural season of our stewardship program on the river.

Even though my role has a presence year round, we have brought on eight ‘Assistant Stewards’ to help in the busy season from May – September. If you go to the river, chances are you have seen one or more of us. We wear identifiable, gray-colored polo shirts with the Wild and Scenic logo on them. Our mission is ‘to make the Farmington River a fun and safe place to recreate on’. When you see us, please stop by and say hello. We would love to hear any ideas you may have to help us with our goal.

Moving forward each newsletter will highlight recent happenings on the river, and/or focus on a specific topic. Since we are right in the middle of the busiest time of the summer, it seems appropriate to talk about river safety. Here are a few tips:

  • If you are boating or tubing, always wear a life jacket.
  • Don’t boat alone.
  • If you can’t swim, you probably shouldn’t be on the river, regardless if you are wearing a life jacket.
  • If you get separated from your group, contact them ASAP so they do not report you missing.
  • If you fall out of your boat or tube in rapids, float through feet first rather than trying to stand up. Your foot could become entrapped in rocks and the force of the water will push you under.
  • Remember no glass or loose articles on the river. These can all end up being trash if you flip/capsize/fall down.
  • Obey all signage near or on the river.

Here are also a couple safety links written by others:

American Red Cross: Swimming Safely in Lakes, Rivers and Streams
http://www.redcross.org/images/MEDIA_CustomProductCatalog/m4240225_LakesRivers.pdf

Slate: Drowning doesn’t look like drowning http://www.slate.com/articles/health_and_science/family/2013/06/rescuing_drowning_children_how_to_know_when_someone_is_in_trouble_in_the.html

Wishing you a safe and fun summer!
The FRCC River Steward Team

POSTED ON: Thursday, 13 August 2015

BY: River Steward