Taking a dip in the refreshing waters of pools, lakes and beaches helps us beat the scorching heat of summer, but it’s also a time when water safety is more important than ever.
Prioritize an accident-free summer for your family with these seven water safety tips:
- Learn how to swim - Enroll in swimming lessons taught by qualified instructors. Knowing how to swim significantly reduces the risk of drowning and increases confidence in and around the water.
- Swim in designated areas - Designated swimming areas supervised by lifeguards are chosen for their safety and are regularly inspected, ensuring a secure swimming environment. Adhere to any posted rules or instructions from lifeguards, preventing accidents.
- Supervise children - Never leave children unattended near water, regardless of their swimming abilities. Drowning happens quickly and silently — designate a responsible adult to supervise children while they swim or play in or around water. Keep young children within arm's reach and maintain constant contact.
- Use life jackets - When boating, waterskiing, canoeing or kayaking, wear a properly fitting, U.S. Coast Guard-approved life jacket. Even if you're a strong swimmer, accidents happen and a life jacket can be a lifesaver. Ensure that children always wear life jackets and set a good example by wearing one yourself.
- Be mindful of water depth - Pay attention to water depth and possible hazards before entering the water. Diving into shallow or unknown waters can lead to severe injuries like spinal cord damage or head trauma. Walk slowly when entering natural bodies of water, avoiding unseen hazards like rocks, branches, debris or sharp objects.
- Stay alert to hazards – When in or near any body of water pay attention to potential hazards like speeding boats, floating or hidden objects, deep holes, undercurrents, high surf, wildlife and more. Being cautious and alert prevents injuries and drowning.
- Stay hydrated – It’s odd to include staying hydrated in this list, but spending time in the sun causes dehydration, leading to dizziness and fatigue. Drink plenty of water before, during and after your water activities to stay hydrated and prevent heat-related illnesses.
- Know the signs of drowning - Recognizing the signs of drowning is crucial in responding quickly and effectively. Despite popular belief, drowning is usually silent with little splashing or calling for help. Look out for people who are struggling to stay afloat, gasping for air, or with their head tilted back and mouth open. Alert a lifeguard or call for help if you suspect someone is in distress.
Following these water safety tips allows your family to create lasting memories while minimizing accidents or tragedies. Remember, water safety is everyone's responsibility, so spread the knowledge to ensure that your summer is filled with fun!