coldwaterwarning.com

Contact: Ron Jacobson, Chair, coldwaterwarning.com

651-423-2117 (home)

Tim O’Donnell, Board Member, coldwaterwarning.com

952-451-4689 (cell)

Media Advisory

Ice-Out Re-News Annual Safety Threat: DANGEROUSLY COLD WATER

April 14 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 2, 2007 – The ice is out on area waterways and summer-like temperatures are not uncommon this time of year. Makes that lake or stream look mighty inviting, right? Don’t be fooled – the water is still dangerously cold and could quickly cause drowning! Children and adults alike need to heed the warning and stay out of the water.

The nonprofit organization coldwaterwarning.com is asking the news media to begin spreading this message now. The organization also invites the media to a news conference on Saturday, April 14, at 10 a.m. on the banks of the Mississippi River in Harriet Island Regional Park in St. Paul. As part of Brian James Jacobson Cold Water Awareness Day on April 14, representatives of coldwaterwarning.com, the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources and the American Red Cross will discuss, demonstrate and warn of the debilitating effects of cold water on the human body. In addition, the Ramsey County Water Patrol will display its water rescue equipment and talk about precautions to take when the water is cold enough to be life-threatening.

The Cold Water Awareness Day is named for Brian Jacobson, who drowned April 30, 2004, at his home on Sunfish Lake in LeSueur County, Minnesota. The 9-year-old boy 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 three 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 website 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.”

A photo of Brian is available on the coldwaterwarning.com website, 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 James Jacobson on First Communion Sunday, April 25, 2004.