Each summer, many residents are injured or drown in swimming or boating accidents. To help residents stay safe when engaged in water-related activities, the department has offered the following tips and reminders.

-If someone in the water needs help, act quickly and call 9-1-1 immediately.

-Wear a personal floatation device when boating, any time of the year. This rule applies when using jet skis, canoes, kayaks, paddleboards, inflatable boats and any other water craft.

-Most drownings occur in inland waters within a few feet of safety.

-Nearly 70 percent of all drownings involving canoes and kayaks might have been avoided if the victims had been wearing PFDs.

-Know what a rip current is, how to detect them, and how to escape them. Rip currents are channeled currents of water flowing away from shore at surf beaches. The key to escaping a rip current is to remain calm, not fight the current and swim at an angle away from the current and toward shore.

-Learn how to swim. The first step to being safe near the water is to learn how to swim. Never swim alone and be aware of your surroundings. Check to see where lifeguards are stationed, and where safety equipment is located if you need it.

-For more information about fire and water safety, feel free to contact the Wareham Fire Department, at (508) 295-2973.