Contact: Ron Jacobson, Chair, coldwaterwarning.com
651-423-2117 (home)

Tim O’Donnell, Board Member, coldwaterwarning.com
952-451-4689 (cell)

Media Advisory

April 8 News Conference to Warn of Cold Water Dangers, Despite Warm Weather
Participants include family members of a young boy who drowned in cold water

    ST. PAUL, APRIL 7, 2006 – As part of Brian James Jacobson Cold Water Awareness Day on April 8, proclaimed by Gov. Tim Pawlenty, a Minnesota Department of Natural Resources official will be the featured speaker at a news conference warning of the dangers of cold water, despite the rising temperatures. The news conference will be held Saturday, April 8, at 10:00 a.m. on the banks of the Mississippi River in Harriet Island Regional Park in St. Paul.
    Brian Jacobson was 9 years old when he drowned April 30, 2004, at his home on Sunfish Lake in LeSueur County, Minnesota. He had jumped out of a boat gone adrift into icy waters to swim to his sister near shore. Brian’s swimming ability was immediately hampered by the cold water, as were efforts to save him. He was not wearing a life jacket.
    In the two years since Brian’s death his grandfather, Ron Jacobson, has been active in efforts to prevent tragedies like the one that claimed the life of his grandson. He has launched the nonprofit organization and web site www.coldwaterwarning.com to educate youngsters, teachers and other adults about the dangers of cold water.
    “People need to know how dangerous and even fatal cold water can be,” said Jacobson. “They shouldn’t be fooled once the ice has gone out and the air temperatures rise. The water can remain very cold for weeks, and its shocking effects can be a sudden last gasp for air while you’re under water and the loss of your ability to swim as your muscles fail – and you drown. Our work won’t bring our beloved Brian back, but we hope we can prevent tragic accidents like this from happening to other children and their families.”
    At the news conference, DNR Conservation Officer Joel Heyn and an American Red Cross representative will discuss and demonstrate the debilitating effects of cold water on the human body. The news conference is sponsored by coldwaterwarning.com. A photo of Brian is available on the web site, and is included below.

Directions to the West Park Grounds Parking Lot of Harriet Island Regional Park: From WABASHA ST., go west on PLATO BLVD. to the park entrance at JUSTUS OHAGE BLVD. Follow signs to parking lot. (lat/long: 44.938, -93.097)

Brian on his First Communion Day, Sunday, April 25, 2004.