Recent Drowning Deaths Prompt Water Safety Reminders - KMSP-TV

Recent Drowning Deaths Prompt Water Safety Reminders

It's been a deadly year on Minnesota lakes.

So far, the state has seen more than two dozen drownings so far this year and nine deadly boating accidents. With the extremely hot weather this weekend, officers are worried about even more deaths.

Out on Lake Minnetonka this Saturday, Water Patrol volunteers say it's about as crowded as it gets. "We are always trying to be ready for whatever comes in," said Special Deputy Laurent Wickland.

The Hennepin County Water Patrol Unit is also trying to prevent more accidents from happening.

Fox 9 rode along with Water Patrol volunteers as they patrolled the lake and conducted a safety check. The unit is cracking down after nine boaters died and 29 other people drowned on Minnesota lakes so far this summer. The last time the state saw this many drowning deaths during the same time period was six years ago.

It looks like the extremely hot weather is taking a toll. More people are out on the lakes, and they're not taking the proper safety precautions.

Jet skier Travis Glanzer said, "Everybody's real concerned about it, everybody's real serious… Get a drowning and people passing away and it becomes a little more important."

After a summer like this, the Water Patrol could use a little more help. The Hennepin County Sheriff's office has put out a call for volunteers. The Sheriff's office is also searching for special deputies to help in other areas.

For more information go to:

http://www.hennepinsheriff.org/content/volunteer-opportunities-1