Child Safety A Top Concern For Parents, Authorities At Lake Arcadia This Memorial Day

The lake is a go-to spot on Memorial Day weekend but for parents, the first thing on their mind is safety. The Smith family is just one of many enjoying Lake Arcadia this weekend.

"We just come out here to get some family time," says Jessica Hoppock-Smith

But as a parent, she says Memorial Day Weekend can be stressful.

"Sometimes with too many boats out it can be distracting,” she says. “So, when we do come out on days like this we try and keep a nice safe distance from other boats."

She says every parent should always be alert.

"Making sure parents are responsible and keeping eyes on their kids is probably one of the best tips,” she says. “I know there is a high risk of drowning."

According to Deputy Fire Chief Chris Denton, she's absolutely right.

"That's the leading cause of death in children age's 1 to 4... Drowning,” he says. ”And from ages five to 14, it's actually the second-leading cause of death."

This is why Lake Arcadia has rules specific to kids.

"Some of the rules here at Lake Arcadia are that if you're 12 or under, we require a life jacket if you're going to be in the water,” says Denton. “And that's going to be for everywhere, whether you're on a boat or on the beach."

Denton says this is a hard rule, not a suggestion.

"Make sure you always have them within arm’s reach and make sure you never turn your back on them," he says.

The Smith's follow these rules too.

"When we come out, we make sure the kids always have their life jackets on," says Hoppock-Smith. "If we're around a lot of other boats we don't let them in the water."

But Denton reminds the community, first responders are always here to help.

"We've got a swift water boat and a rescue boat so the rescue teams will be ready to go if they're not already on the lake," he says.