After a number of separate water-related deaths and other incidents in recent weeks, Niagara County officials are stressing the importance of water safety.


What You Need To Know

  • After a number of recent water-related deaths and other incidents, Niagara County officials are stressing water safety

  • One of the most important things they say is to always wear your life jacket

  • Niagara County Acting Sheriff Mike Filicetti says to also stick to designated swimming areas

One of the most important things they say is to always wear your life jacket. They also say make sure to have a sound-producing device, a communication device, like a radio, and have a water safety plan.

Niagara County Acting Sheriff Mike Filicetti says to also stick to designated swimming areas and be aware that there are significant currents and undertows in the Niagara River. 

"We are here in Lewiston, so the further you go up river here, you get up near Art Park and up near the power authority," he said. "It is horrendous up there. We even had a boat get pulled under from the undertow, so it tells you the strength of the water here. If it will pull a boat under, it will pull an individual under even with a life jacket on, so there are certain areas of the river I wouldn't even recommend you go near."

The Buffalo Niagara Waterkeeper offers resources and water safety tips online. Officials also recommend boating safety courses.