Home Contra Costa County Supervisor Burgis Offers Summer Safety Tips

Supervisor Burgis Offers Summer Safety Tips

by ECT
Contra Costa County Board of Supervisor Diane Burgis issued summer safety tips after warm weather struck East County this past week.
She encourages all residents to be vigilant about fire safety during the upcoming fire season, and Chief Carman has issued a warning about the danger of fast moving waters in our rivers.
Fire Chief Warns about Fast Moving Water
Contra Costa Fire Protection District Chief Jeff Carman spoke about fast moving water at the June 13, 2017 CCCFPD Board meeting.
“Our Marine crews have already responded to two drownings and a couple of near drownings this year. The Delta is already running very fast. This weekend there is over 140 inches of snow left in the mountains.”
“It’s going to be a hundred degrees and all that water is going to come down the river.’ He cautioned.  “In addition, we have the tidal influence. The tidal outflow combined with the heavy river flows is unprecedented.”
“So I caution those people that think they’re good swimmers and don’t need a personal floatation device to think again. Again, we’ve had two drownings already, and unfortunately, I doubt those will be the last.”
Chief Jeff Carman
Contra Costa County Fire Protection District
More info: cccfpd.org
Sheriffs Office provides Boating Safety Tips
Contra Costa County Office of the Sheriff Marine Services Unit would like to remind all boaters to be safe, alert and obey all boating rules:
  • All vessels must have a U.S. Coast Guard-approved life jacket for each person. The life jacket must fit the person intending to wear it. Children under 13 must always wear a life jacket while aboard any vessel, regardless of length, unless they are surrounded by an enclosed cabin or bulkhead.
  • You must be at least 16 to operate a powerboat or personal watercraft. All persons on a personal watercraft are required to wear an approved life jacket.
  • Boats over 16 feet are required to have an approved, throwable flotation device, which must be readily accessible.
  • Always travel at a safe speed. Slow down in narrow channels and blind areas and navigate on the right side of the waterway. At a cross waterway, the boat on the right has the right of way.
  • Boaters cannot make a wake near a law-enforcement vessel displaying a blue light or running a siren in accordance with the Blue Light Law.
  • Always have an emergency kit that includes a flashlight, warm clothing, cell phone, VHF radio and chart.
Boaters are encouraged to call Sheriff’s Dispatch at 925-646-2441 for emergencies on the water, and boaters should be sure to file a float plan before they depart.
Boating under the influence (BUI) enforcement is a high priority. Those arrested for BUI will face the same consequences as those who drive a motor vehicle under the influence, including fines and possible incarceration.
The ‘ABCs of Boating,’ a handbook of boating rules, is available from most boating shops. For more information, visit  www.dbw.ca.gov  or call 925-427-8507.
All Fireworks are Illegal in Contra Costa County
Supervisor Burgis reminds residents that all fireworks are illegal in Contra Costa County.
The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) takes aim at consumer fireworks. View the latest public service announcement, featuring Dan Doofus, urging people not to use consumer fireworks because they are too dangerous.
Fireworks are responsible for thousands of fires and injuries each year. On Independence Day in a typical year, more U.S. fire are reported than on any other day. The Alliance to Stop Consumer Fireworks is coordinated by NFPA.

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2 comments

Melanie Jun 25, 2017 - 9:44 am

Good tips.

Eric Smith Jun 28, 2017 - 10:01 am

thus far, not impressed with Supervisor Burgis. And, she will go down as a below average Supervisor….

Comments are closed.