Friday, July 31, 2009
New Special Offer!!
We have just begun a new special offer towards your next purchase. You'll get $5 off your order when you make a purchase of $50 or more!! All you have to do is click where this offer is mentioned on a product page, and you'll get the special code to use when you checkout. Take advantage of this special offer today by visiting Golden Eagle Outdoors!!
Wednesday, July 29, 2009
Fargo Angler Shatters Fish Record
ND Game & Fish New Release - July 28, 2009
Tina Willis’s catch on July 25 shattered a state record that hadn’t been touched in 18 years.
The Fargo angler reeled in a 42-pound, 1-ounce channel catfish from Moon Lake while using a frog on a 30 pound test line.
The 40-inch fish broke the old record by nearly nine pounds. The previous record of 33 pounds, 4 ounces was taken from the Red River in 1991.
Moon Lake is located southwest of Valley City in Barnes County.
Gene Van Eeckhout, southeast district fisheries supervisor for the North Dakota Game and Fish Department in Jamestown, said catfish were first introduced in Moon Lake in 1986, and then each year from 1989-93.
“The fish could be anywhere from 16-23 years old,” Van Eeckhout said.
Tina Willis’s catch on July 25 shattered a state record that hadn’t been touched in 18 years.
The Fargo angler reeled in a 42-pound, 1-ounce channel catfish from Moon Lake while using a frog on a 30 pound test line.
The 40-inch fish broke the old record by nearly nine pounds. The previous record of 33 pounds, 4 ounces was taken from the Red River in 1991.
Moon Lake is located southwest of Valley City in Barnes County.
Gene Van Eeckhout, southeast district fisheries supervisor for the North Dakota Game and Fish Department in Jamestown, said catfish were first introduced in Moon Lake in 1986, and then each year from 1989-93.
“The fish could be anywhere from 16-23 years old,” Van Eeckhout said.
North Dakota Pronghorn Season Set
ND Game & Fish News Release - July 20, 2009
A long, harsh winter followed by two major snowstorms in late March and a cold, wet spring means fewer pronghorn licenses available for this fall's hunting season compared to last year.
A total of 2,361 licenses are available for 2009, down 49 percent from 4,631 licenses in 2008. The total consists of 1,531 any-pronghorn licenses and 830 doe/fawn licenses.
"We had a long winter with snowfall occurring in mid-November and staying through mid-April," said Bruce Stillings, big game biologist for the North Dakota Game and Fish Department, Dickinson. "Significant snowfall of approximately 75-100 inches fell across the majority of the pronghorn range, and at least three freezing rain events occurred creating a crusty layer on the surface of the snow."
Included were two major snowstorms in late March, when 36 inches of snow fell in the extreme southwestern corner of the state. "These late snowstorms included temperatures near zero, which are extremely hard on already weakened animals," Stillings said. "In addition, a snow/rainstorm occurred in the western part of the state on June 6. Newborn fawns would have been a few days to two weeks of age and very vulnerable to hypothermia."
Game and Fish biologists surveyed more than 16,000 square miles, 90 percent of the primary range for pronghorn in the state, in late June and early July. Statistics indicate the statewide population decreased 27 percent from last year, from an estimate of 14,000 pronghorn to 10,000 this year.
The survey also indicated the buck-to-doe ratio remains stable at 35 bucks per 100 does. However, the fawn-to-doe ratio was 49 fawns per 100 does, the lowest ever documented in North Dakota.
Aerial surveys indicate a healthy pronghorn population in the northwestern corner of the state, and in the Washburn area. Therefore, hunting units 1D and 9C are expanded to include these areas.
Online applications will be available the week of July 20 at the Game and Fish Department website, gf.nd.gov. Paper applications will also be available from Game and Fish offices, county auditors and license vendors, or by calling (800) 406-6409.
The deadline for submitting applications is Wednesday, Aug. 5. Mailed applications must be postmarked before midnight. Hand-delivered applications are due at the department's Bismarck office by 5 p.m. Applications should be mailed early because some post offices use the following day's postmark if received after office hours.
Only North Dakota residents are eligible for pronghorn gun licenses. Archery season is open to residents and nonresidents. Gun season dates are Oct. 2 (noon) - Oct. 18. Pronghorn bow season runs Sept. 4 (noon) - Oct. 4.
A long, harsh winter followed by two major snowstorms in late March and a cold, wet spring means fewer pronghorn licenses available for this fall's hunting season compared to last year.
A total of 2,361 licenses are available for 2009, down 49 percent from 4,631 licenses in 2008. The total consists of 1,531 any-pronghorn licenses and 830 doe/fawn licenses.
"We had a long winter with snowfall occurring in mid-November and staying through mid-April," said Bruce Stillings, big game biologist for the North Dakota Game and Fish Department, Dickinson. "Significant snowfall of approximately 75-100 inches fell across the majority of the pronghorn range, and at least three freezing rain events occurred creating a crusty layer on the surface of the snow."
Included were two major snowstorms in late March, when 36 inches of snow fell in the extreme southwestern corner of the state. "These late snowstorms included temperatures near zero, which are extremely hard on already weakened animals," Stillings said. "In addition, a snow/rainstorm occurred in the western part of the state on June 6. Newborn fawns would have been a few days to two weeks of age and very vulnerable to hypothermia."
Game and Fish biologists surveyed more than 16,000 square miles, 90 percent of the primary range for pronghorn in the state, in late June and early July. Statistics indicate the statewide population decreased 27 percent from last year, from an estimate of 14,000 pronghorn to 10,000 this year.
The survey also indicated the buck-to-doe ratio remains stable at 35 bucks per 100 does. However, the fawn-to-doe ratio was 49 fawns per 100 does, the lowest ever documented in North Dakota.
Aerial surveys indicate a healthy pronghorn population in the northwestern corner of the state, and in the Washburn area. Therefore, hunting units 1D and 9C are expanded to include these areas.
Online applications will be available the week of July 20 at the Game and Fish Department website, gf.nd.gov. Paper applications will also be available from Game and Fish offices, county auditors and license vendors, or by calling (800) 406-6409.
The deadline for submitting applications is Wednesday, Aug. 5. Mailed applications must be postmarked before midnight. Hand-delivered applications are due at the department's Bismarck office by 5 p.m. Applications should be mailed early because some post offices use the following day's postmark if received after office hours.
Only North Dakota residents are eligible for pronghorn gun licenses. Archery season is open to residents and nonresidents. Gun season dates are Oct. 2 (noon) - Oct. 18. Pronghorn bow season runs Sept. 4 (noon) - Oct. 4.
MN DNR Designates Infested Waters In Alexandria Area
MN DNR News Release - July 23, 2009
The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) has designated several lakes in the Alexandria chain of lakes as infested waters. The designations became effective this week when published in the State Register.
Lake Le Homme Dieu, where zebra mussels were discovered in late June, was added to the list of infested waters. In addition, the agency has designated as infested several waters in the Alexandria chain of lakes that are connected to Lake Le Homme Dieu, including Alvin, Carlos, Darling, Geneva, Jessie and Victoria.
Although zebra mussels have not been found yet in those waters, DNR staff believes that they are likely to become infested. Zebra mussel veligers (larvae) can drift along between lakes and boats traveling through the chain of lakes can spread adult mussels that can catch a ride and veligers by moving water on board in live wells, bait buckets and bilges.
The full list of infested waters is available on the DNR Web site at www.dnr.state.mn.us/eco/invasives/index.html.
State regulations apply once the DNR designates infested waters. For example, transporting water from infested waters is prohibited. In areas with zebra mussels, boaters are required to drain water and remove the drain plug before traveling on public roads. Bait harvest is prohibited at infested waters. It is illegal to transport aquatic plants and zebra mussels on public roads throughout the state.
Boaters and anglers can do their part to help stop the spread of several aquatic hitchhikers such as zebra mussels, by taking a few simple steps:
Clean all aquatic plants, zebra mussels, and mud from boats and trailers, and equipment before leaving the water access.
Drain water from bilges, live wells, and bait containers before leaving the water access.
Dry boats and equipment for five days - or - spray with high pressure and hot water before transporting to another water.
The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) has designated several lakes in the Alexandria chain of lakes as infested waters. The designations became effective this week when published in the State Register.
Lake Le Homme Dieu, where zebra mussels were discovered in late June, was added to the list of infested waters. In addition, the agency has designated as infested several waters in the Alexandria chain of lakes that are connected to Lake Le Homme Dieu, including Alvin, Carlos, Darling, Geneva, Jessie and Victoria.
Although zebra mussels have not been found yet in those waters, DNR staff believes that they are likely to become infested. Zebra mussel veligers (larvae) can drift along between lakes and boats traveling through the chain of lakes can spread adult mussels that can catch a ride and veligers by moving water on board in live wells, bait buckets and bilges.
The full list of infested waters is available on the DNR Web site at www.dnr.state.mn.us/eco/invasives/index.html.
State regulations apply once the DNR designates infested waters. For example, transporting water from infested waters is prohibited. In areas with zebra mussels, boaters are required to drain water and remove the drain plug before traveling on public roads. Bait harvest is prohibited at infested waters. It is illegal to transport aquatic plants and zebra mussels on public roads throughout the state.
Boaters and anglers can do their part to help stop the spread of several aquatic hitchhikers such as zebra mussels, by taking a few simple steps:
Clean all aquatic plants, zebra mussels, and mud from boats and trailers, and equipment before leaving the water access.
Drain water from bilges, live wells, and bait containers before leaving the water access.
Dry boats and equipment for five days - or - spray with high pressure and hot water before transporting to another water.
Tuesday, July 28, 2009
Brunton Line Updated
Our line of products from Brunton has now been updated. You'll find a few new products including SolarRolls and SolarFlats, and a few others that we never carried before. In additon, we still have all the stoves and compasses that we had before, so visit Golden Eagle Outdoors today for your outdoor gear!!
Saturday, July 25, 2009
New Feature!! Product Availability Information
We have added a new feature to our website. You will notice when you look at a product, there is a new link under availability, called "availability information". This is a link to another page that gives you descriptions of what In Stock and Out of Stock means when it is posted on the product pages. We felt it was necessary to explain that even though it says In Stock, that does not guarantee that the product is still in stock. It was in stock when we last checked the inventory of the item, which could be 48-72 hours ago. We check the stocking of our products on a routine basis to help alleviate occasions of back order situations. And we understand that when a customer orders a product they expect to get it when it says In Stock, and its frustrating to us and our customers when it turns out that it is sold out. To see this new feature, visit Golden Eagle Outdoors today!!
Thursday, July 23, 2009
Big Cormorant West Public Access Improvements Scheduled, Closed July 8-Aug 21
Big Cormorant west public access improvements scheduled, closed July 8-Aug 21 - MN DNR News Release - Released June 18, 2009
The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) is temporarily closing the Big Cormorant public water access site, located on the west shore of Big Cormorant Lake, to improve the site. The access is located at Cormorant Lake Village along County Road 5.
The access will be closed July 8-Aug. 21.
Improvements include reconfiguring and paving a parking lot to add more spaces, building a new ramp, creating two stormwater retention ponds, and re-vegetating slopes. Central Specialties Inc. won the bid to do the work.
“This facility is the primary access site to Big Cormorant Lake for both summer and winter fishing,” said Dave Schotzko, DNR Parks and Trails area supervisor. “These new improvements will provide much-needed parking to help meet the fishing demands on this lake now and in to the future.”
During the six-week closure, fishermen and boaters are directed to the DNR’s public water access at the north end of Big Cormorant Lake. Because this alternate site has minimal parking, the DNR recommends that it be used for boat launching and retrieval only.
For questions about this project or other public water access issues, contact the DNR Bemidji Area Parks and Trails office at 218-308-2372.
The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) is temporarily closing the Big Cormorant public water access site, located on the west shore of Big Cormorant Lake, to improve the site. The access is located at Cormorant Lake Village along County Road 5.
The access will be closed July 8-Aug. 21.
Improvements include reconfiguring and paving a parking lot to add more spaces, building a new ramp, creating two stormwater retention ponds, and re-vegetating slopes. Central Specialties Inc. won the bid to do the work.
“This facility is the primary access site to Big Cormorant Lake for both summer and winter fishing,” said Dave Schotzko, DNR Parks and Trails area supervisor. “These new improvements will provide much-needed parking to help meet the fishing demands on this lake now and in to the future.”
During the six-week closure, fishermen and boaters are directed to the DNR’s public water access at the north end of Big Cormorant Lake. Because this alternate site has minimal parking, the DNR recommends that it be used for boat launching and retrieval only.
For questions about this project or other public water access issues, contact the DNR Bemidji Area Parks and Trails office at 218-308-2372.
Tuesday, July 21, 2009
We Now Have Optimus!!
We have recently added Optimus camping stoves and cookware to our website. Optimus is made by the same company that makes Katadyn water filters, so you know these are good quality stoves and cookware. So, take a look at what Optimus can do for you by visiting Golden Eagle Outdoors today!!
Saturday, July 18, 2009
Primus Is Now Online!!
We have just added to our website Primus stoves and additional items that would be of interest to our customers. Go to Golden Eagle Outdoors to see the full line today!!
Sunday, July 12, 2009
Minnesota Breeding Duck Numbers Decline, Canada Goose Numbers Stable
MN DNR News Release - July 7, 2009
Minnesota’s breeding duck population has dropped to an estimated 507,000 birds, according to the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR).
This number is 31 percent lower than last year and 19 percent below the long-term average of 626,000. The population estimate is based on the DNR’s May aerial waterfowl survey.
“Though population swings are normal, it’s always disappointing when numbers decline,” said Dennis Simon, DNR wildlife chief. “Our goal is to build a breeding population of 1 million birds.”
Steve Cordts, the DNR waterfowl specialist who conducted the survey, said the mallard breeding population was estimated at 236,000. This is 6 percent above the long-term average of 224,000 breeding mallards, but 21 percent below last year and 19 percent below the recent 10-year average.
Blue-winged teal numbers declined 11 percent from last year to 135,000 and remained 39 percent below the long-term average.
“Blue-winged teal counts are always more variable than mallard counts since they are a later migrant through the state,” Cordts said. “Some years, we count migrant teal during the survey, but this year it appeared that most migrant blue-wings had already moved through the state by the time the survey began.”
The combined populations of other ducks, such as wood ducks, ring-necked ducks, gadwalls, canvasbacks and redheads, decreased to 170,000, which is 5 percent below the long-term average.
The estimated number of wetlands was 318,000, down 2 percent from last year but above the long-term average of 248,000.
“Wetland conditions were highly variable this year,” Cordts said. “The east-central and southern survey areas were extremely dry, but conditions improved dramatically moving north and west across the state.”
Additional wetlands and grasslands - including higher quality grasslands and wetlands - are key to improving breeding duck numbers. The DNR’s Duck Recovery Plan identifies the need to restore 2 million acres of additional habitat to achieve the 1 million-bird breeding population level.
“We are committed to hitting the 1 million-bird target,” Simon said. “That means focusing on a long-term strategy to improve the quantity and quality of wetlands and grassland through the combined efforts of many partners.”
Simon said new constitutionally dedicated funding for habitat conservation would help this effort. The Legislature recently appropriated about $13 million to various conservation organizations for habitat improvement on wildlife management areas (WMA), federal waterfowl production areas and other lands. The Legislature also appropriated $8.5 million of dedicated funding to the DNR for WMA grassland and wetland acquisition and enhancement.
The DNR’s waterfowl survey has been conducted in early May each year since 1968, with only minor changes to the survey design. A DNR waterfowl biologist and pilot count all waterfowl and wetlands along established survey routes by flying low-level aerial surveys. The survey is timed to coincide with peak nesting activity of mallards.
The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service provides ground crews that also count waterfowl along some of the same survey routes, providing data that is used to correct for birds not seen by the aerial crew. The survey was designed to provide an index of breeding duck abundance in about 40 percent of the state that includes much of Minnesota’s best remaining duck breeding habitat.
Data on breeding duck numbers across other regions of North America is not yet available, but preliminary reports suggest good to excellent wetland habitat conditions in the Dakotas and portions of southern Canada.
The entire report can be viewed online. Waterfowl hunting regulations effective this fall will be released in August.
CANADA GEESE - This year’s estimate of 285,000 Canada geese remains similar to last year’s estimate of 289,000.
“Although the population is still above our goal, the number of breeding Canada geese has stabilized and is no longer increasing rapidly,” said DNR biologist Dave Rave. “Most wildlife managers have reported good numbers of goose broods so far this summer, which should translate into plenty of opportunity for hunters this fall.”
Since 2001, the DNR has conducted a helicopter survey of nesting Canada geese during April. The survey, which includes most of the state except for the Twin Cities metropolitan area, counts Canada geese on randomly selected plots located in prairie, transition and forested areas.
Minnesota’s breeding duck population has dropped to an estimated 507,000 birds, according to the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR).
This number is 31 percent lower than last year and 19 percent below the long-term average of 626,000. The population estimate is based on the DNR’s May aerial waterfowl survey.
“Though population swings are normal, it’s always disappointing when numbers decline,” said Dennis Simon, DNR wildlife chief. “Our goal is to build a breeding population of 1 million birds.”
Steve Cordts, the DNR waterfowl specialist who conducted the survey, said the mallard breeding population was estimated at 236,000. This is 6 percent above the long-term average of 224,000 breeding mallards, but 21 percent below last year and 19 percent below the recent 10-year average.
Blue-winged teal numbers declined 11 percent from last year to 135,000 and remained 39 percent below the long-term average.
“Blue-winged teal counts are always more variable than mallard counts since they are a later migrant through the state,” Cordts said. “Some years, we count migrant teal during the survey, but this year it appeared that most migrant blue-wings had already moved through the state by the time the survey began.”
The combined populations of other ducks, such as wood ducks, ring-necked ducks, gadwalls, canvasbacks and redheads, decreased to 170,000, which is 5 percent below the long-term average.
The estimated number of wetlands was 318,000, down 2 percent from last year but above the long-term average of 248,000.
“Wetland conditions were highly variable this year,” Cordts said. “The east-central and southern survey areas were extremely dry, but conditions improved dramatically moving north and west across the state.”
Additional wetlands and grasslands - including higher quality grasslands and wetlands - are key to improving breeding duck numbers. The DNR’s Duck Recovery Plan identifies the need to restore 2 million acres of additional habitat to achieve the 1 million-bird breeding population level.
“We are committed to hitting the 1 million-bird target,” Simon said. “That means focusing on a long-term strategy to improve the quantity and quality of wetlands and grassland through the combined efforts of many partners.”
Simon said new constitutionally dedicated funding for habitat conservation would help this effort. The Legislature recently appropriated about $13 million to various conservation organizations for habitat improvement on wildlife management areas (WMA), federal waterfowl production areas and other lands. The Legislature also appropriated $8.5 million of dedicated funding to the DNR for WMA grassland and wetland acquisition and enhancement.
The DNR’s waterfowl survey has been conducted in early May each year since 1968, with only minor changes to the survey design. A DNR waterfowl biologist and pilot count all waterfowl and wetlands along established survey routes by flying low-level aerial surveys. The survey is timed to coincide with peak nesting activity of mallards.
The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service provides ground crews that also count waterfowl along some of the same survey routes, providing data that is used to correct for birds not seen by the aerial crew. The survey was designed to provide an index of breeding duck abundance in about 40 percent of the state that includes much of Minnesota’s best remaining duck breeding habitat.
Data on breeding duck numbers across other regions of North America is not yet available, but preliminary reports suggest good to excellent wetland habitat conditions in the Dakotas and portions of southern Canada.
The entire report can be viewed online. Waterfowl hunting regulations effective this fall will be released in August.
CANADA GEESE - This year’s estimate of 285,000 Canada geese remains similar to last year’s estimate of 289,000.
“Although the population is still above our goal, the number of breeding Canada geese has stabilized and is no longer increasing rapidly,” said DNR biologist Dave Rave. “Most wildlife managers have reported good numbers of goose broods so far this summer, which should translate into plenty of opportunity for hunters this fall.”
Since 2001, the DNR has conducted a helicopter survey of nesting Canada geese during April. The survey, which includes most of the state except for the Twin Cities metropolitan area, counts Canada geese on randomly selected plots located in prairie, transition and forested areas.
Wednesday, July 8, 2009
Information about using Google Checkout
We offer you the option to use Google Checkout as an alternative to the other payment methods we offer. Google Checkout is a safe method of sending your payment to us, but we have discovered an issue that has caused some confusion among our customers. The promotions that we offer on our website including the free shipping if you order more than $75, are not recognized when you checkout via Google Checkout. So, if you use this method, let us know if this has happened to you and we'll make sure you get the discount that you expected when you placed your order.
Payment Options
We have had some questions about the payment methods that we accept. So, to clear that up we accept the major credit cards such as Visa, Mastercard, Discover, and American Express. We also accept Paypal and Google Checkout as additional payment options. If you have any questions, or have difficulty with the checkout process feel free to contact us.
Minn Kota Products Update
We have recently updated our product offering of Minn Kota products. We have added a few Riptide and the new Traxxis trolling motors. We have also added accessories for your trolling motor including mounting plates and propellors. Its all available now at Golden Eagle Outdoors!!
Monday, July 6, 2009
Experts Give Tips On Keeping Children Safe Around Water
MN DNR News Release - June 30, 2009
While swimming, boating and other water-related activities spell summertime fun for many Minnesotans, they can be dangerous for children. Watching children closely around water can help keep summer recreation safer.
The Minnesota departments of Natural Resources and Human Services are urging adults to be more aware of the danger water poses to children and what they can do to help keep kids safe.
Most drownings in Minnesota occur in lakes, ponds and streams, but children also drown in home swimming pools, spas, toilets, bathtubs and buckets. Since 2006, 34 Minnesota children have drowned; half of those were 3 years old or younger. Most drowned in lakes, ponds, creeks or pools but five children drowned in bathtubs during that time.
Drowning only takes a couple of minutes and a couple of inches of water. Many people think that children will cry out for help if they are in trouble in the water, but that often doesn’t happen. This means constant supervision is critical.
“Drowning is a silent killer,” said Tim Smalley, boat and water safety specialist at the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources. “A person - adult or child - in the process of drowning is unable to call for help. Adults need to be watching children and the water at all times. Experts recommend an adult be within an arm’s length of children around water.”
“It is critical that parents and other adults be vigilant when children are around water,” said Chuck Johnson, assistant commissioner of Children and Family Services at the Minnesota Department of Human Services (DHS). “Drowning deaths are preventable.”
Each year, DHS’ Child Mortality Review Panel reviews cases of children whose deaths, many of them through drowning, could have been prevented. The panel is state mandated to look at deaths and near-fatal injuries of children that occurred in relation to maltreatment, and it makes recommendations to state and county agencies for improving child protection. Drowning deaths, particularly of young children or older children with disabilities, are reviewed each year.
WATER SAFETY TIPS
“Following safety tips, particularly in being more attentive to children around water, is critical,” said Johnson.
Never leave the bathroom when children are in the tub. Do not depend on a bath seat to safeguard children from drowning. Never rely on another child to watch children in the tub. Always drain all of the water out of the tub when finished.
Empty all buckets, including diaper pails and place lid locks on toilets.
Make sure at least one adult keeps children in sight whenever they are around water. Never leave children alone near water, even for a few seconds. Designate a specific adult to supervise the area.
Be extra careful around lakes, pools and spas. Keep children away from the water unless a responsible adult is supervising. Install a 5-foot fence that completely surrounds a pool or spa, and make sure children can’t squeeze through the fence or unlatch the door. Gates and doors should be self-closing and self-latching, and gates should open away from the pool.
Add extra protection on pools and spas. Install automatic safety covers and alarms on doors and windows leading to the water. Do not use floating pool covers; children can slip underneath them and become trapped out of sight.
Empty blow-up pools after each use.
Drain standing water from safety pool and spa covers. Children can drown in small amounts of water. Remove covers completely before using a pool or spa, and always replace them immediately after use.
Never leave toys on the dock or in the pool or spa area to prevent tripping into the pool or standing water.
Wear a life jacket when boating.
Look in the water first if any children are missing.
Always be prepared for an emergency. Learn CPR, know how to swim, keep emergency rescue equipment by the water, have a telephone nearby and teach everyone how to call 9-1-1.
More information on water safety is on the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources’ Web site.
More information on child abuse and neglect prevention is on the Minnesota Department of Human Services’ Web site.
While swimming, boating and other water-related activities spell summertime fun for many Minnesotans, they can be dangerous for children. Watching children closely around water can help keep summer recreation safer.
The Minnesota departments of Natural Resources and Human Services are urging adults to be more aware of the danger water poses to children and what they can do to help keep kids safe.
Most drownings in Minnesota occur in lakes, ponds and streams, but children also drown in home swimming pools, spas, toilets, bathtubs and buckets. Since 2006, 34 Minnesota children have drowned; half of those were 3 years old or younger. Most drowned in lakes, ponds, creeks or pools but five children drowned in bathtubs during that time.
Drowning only takes a couple of minutes and a couple of inches of water. Many people think that children will cry out for help if they are in trouble in the water, but that often doesn’t happen. This means constant supervision is critical.
“Drowning is a silent killer,” said Tim Smalley, boat and water safety specialist at the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources. “A person - adult or child - in the process of drowning is unable to call for help. Adults need to be watching children and the water at all times. Experts recommend an adult be within an arm’s length of children around water.”
“It is critical that parents and other adults be vigilant when children are around water,” said Chuck Johnson, assistant commissioner of Children and Family Services at the Minnesota Department of Human Services (DHS). “Drowning deaths are preventable.”
Each year, DHS’ Child Mortality Review Panel reviews cases of children whose deaths, many of them through drowning, could have been prevented. The panel is state mandated to look at deaths and near-fatal injuries of children that occurred in relation to maltreatment, and it makes recommendations to state and county agencies for improving child protection. Drowning deaths, particularly of young children or older children with disabilities, are reviewed each year.
WATER SAFETY TIPS
“Following safety tips, particularly in being more attentive to children around water, is critical,” said Johnson.
Never leave the bathroom when children are in the tub. Do not depend on a bath seat to safeguard children from drowning. Never rely on another child to watch children in the tub. Always drain all of the water out of the tub when finished.
Empty all buckets, including diaper pails and place lid locks on toilets.
Make sure at least one adult keeps children in sight whenever they are around water. Never leave children alone near water, even for a few seconds. Designate a specific adult to supervise the area.
Be extra careful around lakes, pools and spas. Keep children away from the water unless a responsible adult is supervising. Install a 5-foot fence that completely surrounds a pool or spa, and make sure children can’t squeeze through the fence or unlatch the door. Gates and doors should be self-closing and self-latching, and gates should open away from the pool.
Add extra protection on pools and spas. Install automatic safety covers and alarms on doors and windows leading to the water. Do not use floating pool covers; children can slip underneath them and become trapped out of sight.
Empty blow-up pools after each use.
Drain standing water from safety pool and spa covers. Children can drown in small amounts of water. Remove covers completely before using a pool or spa, and always replace them immediately after use.
Never leave toys on the dock or in the pool or spa area to prevent tripping into the pool or standing water.
Wear a life jacket when boating.
Look in the water first if any children are missing.
Always be prepared for an emergency. Learn CPR, know how to swim, keep emergency rescue equipment by the water, have a telephone nearby and teach everyone how to call 9-1-1.
More information on water safety is on the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources’ Web site.
More information on child abuse and neglect prevention is on the Minnesota Department of Human Services’ Web site.
Thursday, July 2, 2009
July Specials
We have just updated our website to offer you our specials for July. Most of the items we have on sale have changed from last month, and some categories did not receive any changes for our July update. So, visit Golden Eagle Outdoors to take advantage of out July Specials today!!
Slumberjack Discontinued
We are no longer carrying the line of sleeping bags from Slumberjack. We have added sleeping bags from Chinook, Wenzel, Swiss Gear, and Eureka! to our website to compensate for this change. We also will be adding more sleeping bags from Eureka! in the coming weeks.
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