Water Safety at Patoka Lake

Escucha en Español aquí: https://youtu.be/yLiTSabMZU4?si=7bosOsvDVC1DHHRn Hello, hello families!How is everyone doing today? How are you feeling? What’s new in your world? Welcome once again to Café con ALASI, this special space where we learn together, share stories, celebrate our cultures, and support the wellbeing of our community.

I am Rossina Sandoval, Executive Director of ALASI, and as always, thank you for spending a little time with us today.

Today we are talking about something extremely important, especially during the summer months here in Southern Indiana: water safety. THE INFORMATION OF THIS PODCAST EPISODE WAS PROVIDED BY James Merkley, Natural Resource Specialist, Patoka Lake

Summer is a beautiful season. Families gather at lakes, rivers, swimming pools, parks, and beaches. We celebrate birthdays, family reunions, cookouts, soccer tournaments, and long sunny afternoons with the people we love most. Many of our families enjoy visiting Patoka Lake, and for many people, especially those who grew up in other countries or different environments, being around large lakes and open water may still feel new or unfamiliar.

And that is exactly why these conversations matter.

Because water can be peaceful and beautiful , but it can also become dangerous very quickly.

Today we want to talk openly and honestly about how we can protect ourselves, our children, our friends, and our entire community when we are in, on, or around the water.

According to statistics from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, between 1998 and 2024, 89% of drowning victims were NOT wearing a life jacket.

Think about that number for a moment. Almost 9 out of every 10 drowning victims were not wearing something that could have saved their life.

Another important statistic is that 89% of drowning fatalities involved men, especially between the ages of 18 and 35 years old.

And here at Patoka Lake, officials have seen a significant increase in drownings involving members of the Hispanic community.

That reality is painful. Every drowning affects entire families, entire circles of friends, entire communities.

And many times, these tragedies happen during ordinary moments, during a family outing, a holiday weekend, or a fun day with friends.

Many people who drown never expected to be in danger.

That is why education matters so much. Not to create fear, but to create awareness and prevention.

Because every life matters.

Water Can Be More Dangerous Than People Realize

Sometimes people assume that if they know how to swim “a little,” or if the water looks calm, everything is safe.

But lakes are very different from swimming pools.

At lakes like Patoka, the water conditions constantly change.

One of the most common dangers is limited visibility. Lake water is often murky, meaning you cannot clearly see what is underneath you.

There may be sudden drop-offs where the ground disappears unexpectedly. One moment the water is shallow, and the next moment it is over your head.

There can also be hidden branches, weeds, fishing lines, rocks, or submerged trees underneath the water that can trap someone or cause panic very quickly.

Another danger many people do not think about is debris. Things like broken glass, fishing hooks, cans, or damaged equipment can cause serious cuts and infections.

And then there is cold water.

Even during hot summer weather, the water itself can still be cold enough to shock the body. Cold water affects breathing, muscles, coordination, and energy levels. A person can become exhausted much faster than expected.

Sometimes people panic because the cold water makes it harder to move or breathe normally.

And we also need to talk about alcohol.

Alcohol and water are a dangerous combination.

Alcohol affects judgment, balance, coordination, and reaction time. People may take risks they normally would not take. They may overestimate their swimming ability or ignore warning signs.

Many drowning accidents involve alcohol.

And one very important thing we need everyone to understand is this:

Drowning is usually silent.

Movies often show people yelling, splashing, and screaming for help. Real drowning often does not look like that.

A person struggling in the water may not be able to speak or call for help at all. They may disappear under the surface in seconds before anyone realizes something is wrong.

That is why paying attention to one another matters so much.

Swimming Safety

Let’s talk specifically about swimming safety.

At Patoka Lake, the only designated swimming area is the beach located inside the main gate.

Swimming outside designated areas can be much more dangerous because of boat traffic, underwater hazards, and changing water conditions.

One of the best things any person can do — child or adult — is learn how to swim confidently and learn how to float.

And I want to pause here and say something important:

There is absolutely no shame in not knowing how to swim.

Many adults never had access to swimming lessons growing up. Some families did not grow up around pools or lakes. Some people were never taught because of financial barriers, transportation, fear, or simply lack of opportunity.

Learning now is okay.

Taking swim lessons as an adult is okay.

Practicing floating and basic water survival skills is okay.

In fact, it is one of the most loving things you can do for yourself and your family.

Another important rule: never swim alone.

Even strong swimmers can become tired, injured, trapped, or overwhelmed unexpectedly.

And please — do not challenge friends or family members to swim across a cove or race to a buoy or floating marker.

So many tragedies begin with phrases like:“I bet you can’t make it.”“Come on, just try.”“We’ve done it before.”

Water conditions change constantly, and fatigue can happen quickly.

And parents — this part is especially important.

Watch your children closely at all times near water.

Not from far away.Not while looking at your phone.Not assuming another adult is watching.

Children can disappear from sight in the blink of an eye.

Even shallow water can become dangerous.

Designate an adult whose only responsibility is watching the children. That attention can save lives.

The Importance of Life Jackets

Now let’s talk about one of the simplest and most effective tools for water safety: life jackets.

Life jackets save lives.

Not sometimes.Not occasionally.Very often.

A life jacket helps keep your head above water if you unexpectedly fall in, become tired, panic, or lose consciousness.

And again, remember this statistic:89% of drowning victims on U.S. Army Corps of

Water Safety Is Community Care

One thing we always say at ALASI is that caring for one another is part of building a stronger community.

Water safety is not just about rules.It is about protecting human life.

It is about making sure parents return home with their children.It is about making sure friends return home safely after a day together.It is about preventing tragedies before they happen.

And education is powerful.

Sometimes a single conversation, a single reminder, or a single life jacket can save a life.

Helpful Resources for Families

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers offers excellent free water safety resources in Spanish for families.

Spanish water safety tips are available at:https://www.usace.army.mil/Missions/Civil-Works/Recreation/National-Water-Safety_Program/safety_tips/safetytips_spanish/

Families can also watch Spanish-language videos featuring Bobber the Water Safety Dog at:https://bobber.info/cartoons_esp.html

And we also want to remind families that Spanish-language water safety coloring books are available at the ALASI office in Huntingburg.

These are wonderful resources to help children learn safety habits early in fun and accessible ways.

We will also include all these links in the comments and description of this episode.