DEQ Offers Lake Safety Tips For Labor Day Weekend

With nearly perfect Labor Day Weekend temperatures, many people are flocking to area lakes. But, besides safety, officials say it's important to keep something else in mind, the quality of the water.

People like Arcadia Lake not only because of the cool water...but because they can also hang out on the beach. Oklahoma lake levels are low this year, but any body of water that's untreated can turn a fun family excursion into a headache and more.

"It's refreshing. You don't swallow the water do you? It's refreshing," said Oklahoma City resident, Angel Estrada.

That's what we're talking about. The DEQ says people who ingest river, stream or lake water.run the risk of ear infection, gastronomical upset, eye infections, and even some forms of meningitis.

"Hold your nose when you're going under water, wear swim goggles, put infants in swim diapers, take kids to the restroom frequently, and you want to avoid swimming near storm drains or any water with a sheen on it," said DEQ spokesperson, Skylar McElhaney.

Another helpful hint, wearing ear plugs help prevent those pesky ear infections we all know can so painful. Veronica Harris and her daughters are visiting from Dallas.

“Oh absolutely yeah they know, we've been out here before, so we know. We're all having a good time," said Harris.

The DEQ says wearing goggles greatly lessens the chance of an eye infection.