On Sunday, June 15, Nickolas Kinney, a 14-year-old boy from Ballston Spa, lost his life in unsafe, unsupervised waters of the Hudson River.

After spotting a rope swing, Kinney and his friend entered the Hudson River along the bike trail which leads to the Feeder Dam, Glens Falls Police Chief Joseph Bethel said. Kinney became fatigued during the 600-foot swim to the other side and when his friend realized he could not help Kinney on his own, the friend left the water to run down the long bike path to Haviland’s Cove to alert lifeguards.

South Glens Falls, West Glens Falls, Glens Falls and Lake George Fire Departments responded to the call as well as Glens Falls Police and New York State Police, but by the time Kinney was found by a kayaker, it was too late. A resuscitation attempt was made on shore, but Kinney was pronounced dead at Glens Falls Hospital.

“People underestimate the power of the river. People need to stay in the designated swimming areas with lifeguards. They are set up for a reason,” Bethel said.

This story is every parent’s nightmare come true, and all the while, very preventable. As summer comes upon the region, children and adults alike must be alert and aware of their surroundings while swimming.

“When we are young, we think we are invincible,” Rick Borden, Director of Community Preparedness for the Adirondack Red Cross, said. “I see a lot of people out wading in water without even knowing how to swim. The first and most important step for water safety is learning how to swim.”

Each year, the Adirondack Red Cross teaches more than 7,000 people how to swim—both children and adults.

“A lot of adults who don’t know how to swim don’t want to be in a pool with five-year-olds, or are too embarrassed to ask for help. There are things we can do to collaborate with them or the YMCA to teach them to swim. Not knowing how to swim affects things like going out on a friend’s boat or to their pool on a hot day,” Borden said.

While swimming, it is important to have a personal floatation device nearby, such as a life vest, a rescue tube or a throw rope in case of an emergency, Borden said. Many people make mistakes when tying to rescue a swimmer in distress, like trying to help the person without a floatation device. A person who is in distress is likely to be thrashing and struggling to keep his head above water. If the rescuer doesn’t have a floatation device, it is likely that he will be pulled under by the other person.

“The simple rule if someone is drowning is ‘throw, don’t go.’ It means just that—throw the person a floatation device instead of going in after them,” Borden said.

Having equipment readily available and in working order is also an important aspect, he added.

Floatation devices should be in sight and easily accessible for both adults and children.

The key to water safety is knowledge and preparedness. Lifeguards aren’t the only people who should know CPR and first aid. Anyone with children or a pool in the backyard could benefit from knowing these potentially life-saving techniques, Borden said.

“If something happens and someone needs to call 911, it’s a matter of time before they get there. Knowing CPR and performing rescue attempts before help gets there could be the difference between life and death,” Borden said.

He added that even if lifeguards are on duty, people should never leave their children unattended while swimming. A lifeguard is watching many people at the same time, and the more eyes on the water the better, he said.

The Red Cross offers CPR and first aid training, with certifications lasting one year for CPR and three years for first aid. Classes are offered regularly with flexible schedules.

“Water is the strongest, most powerful force on earth. It formed the Grand Canyon. People sometimes overestimate their abilities in the water. We need to learn to respect this force. We can enjoy it, but we must respect it,” Borden said.