The best way to stay safe along the Spokane River this summer

SPOKANE, Wash. – With the recent drownings along the Spokane River, Spokane Valley Fire wants to remind the public about the importance of water safety.

On Sunday night, a 3-year-old nearly drowned in the river. They are still in critical condition. An 18-year-old man also drowned in the river Friday afternoon.

Officials say neither were wearing life jackets.

One of the main tips Washington State Parks has is to make sure you’re wearing a life jacket on the water. There is even a life jacket loaner program through the parks.

For parents like Cameron Wedel, making sure his kids wear life jackets is a must.

“For me, knowing that those things are available for kids that don’t have them, I think that’s really helpful,” Wedel said. “This is something that we’re trying to steward and make sure that people are really safe so they can enjoy it. But have preparations in case something goes wrong.”

Washington state law requires people to carry at least one properly fitted life jacket on any boat, kayak, canoe, or paddleboard.

Wedel is a former water safety instructor and an avid kayaker. He has four kids and wants them to be fully prepared when they go swimming.

“In general, you need to have your kids be really comfortable with the water and know how to swim. There’s a lot of great swim lesson options,” Wedel said. “I think that, plus a life jacket, especially when there’s moving water of any kind or where your kids can fall.”

Washington State Parks recommends learning how to properly fit a life jacket. The parks website has a video that shows you how.

It also recommends buying a life jacket that will fit your child now rather than one they will grow into.

For anyone looking for an adult life jacket, the State Parks website has a coast guard guide to finding the right life jacket.

Wedel makes sure to bring a life jacket with him every time he goes kayaking.

“You never know when you’re going to encounter rough water…knowing how high the water levels are and water temperature. Just do some research, it’s pretty easy to find. That’s the important stuff. Knowing where you’re going to be headed, that you have somewhat control over that,” Wedel said.