Water Safety

Swimming

Swimming is a lot of fun, and a great way to get some exercise. Every swimmer should learn about water safety to make sure their time in the water is trouble free.

Take precautions when you swim.

It's important to learn how to swim properly. Take lessons from a certified instructor, or from a trusted friend who is a strong swimmer.

When you swim, don't do it alone. Always swim with a buddy who knows how to swim well. You shouldn't swim if either of you have been drinking. Alcohol slows your reflexes and is a well known factor in many drownings every year. Never do anything that will inhibit your ability to swim when you get into the water.

Learn how to perform CPR, and swim with people who also know it. CPR can be used to save the life of someone who has swallowed water or is no longer breathing.

Safety for swimming pools.

Many people spend a lot of time in private pools all summer long. As long as proper safety measures are followed, having a pool can be a truly enjoyable experience. Keep a phone close to your pool in case you need to call 911 due to an emergency. Make sure everyone who uses the pool is aware of where the phone is. Don't leave electrical appliances near the pool, they should never be close enough to fall into the water.

When you swim at a public pool, try to find one that has a lifeguard on duty. Lifeguards know CPR and other life saving methods to help keep everyone safe.

Swimming in a lake, river or ocean

As the weather gets hot, people flock to the water to cool off and have fun. When you swim in a public area, always be aware of the people around you. You will have to be extra cautious to avoid running into others and to make sure they do not crash into you.

If possible, swim at a beach that employs lifeguards. They patrol the shore and watch for people who have been drinking and are not safe to be in or on the water. Always follow the rules any lifeguard gives, and get out of the water immediately if told do so. Most beaches do not have lifeguards, but they will post signs if there are dangerous conditions. Read any signs posted on the beach before going in the water, and follow whatever instructions they give.

People who like to swim for long distances should remain close to the shore, keeping parallel to the beach. Do not swim into deeper water where currents can be very strong and help is far away. If you do find yourself in trouble, the most important thing is to remain calm. Lift your arm and signal to others that you are in need of help. Never swim far away from your swimming buddy, so they will be close by if you need them.

Beware of rip currents.

A rip current is a strong wave of water that pushes away from the shoreline. Any natural body of water that moves in waves, has a potential for rip currents. The currents move quickly and can pull a swimmer far from land. Watch for posted signs that warn about rip currents, and if you are caught by one, do not try to swim against it. Swim parallel to the current until you are out of it, and then return to shore.

Extra precautions for children

Adults must take extra care when children are going to be swimming. Kids must be supervised at all times when they are in the water. People who have small children and own pools should invest in a large fence which completely surrounds the pool and ensures that young ones can not get in while adults are away.

It is important to realize that inflatable toys are not life saving devices. While they can be used to keep a person afloat, they are no substitute for a life vest.

Teach your children know how to swim before allowing them into a pool or body of water. You can never be too careful when it comes to keeping children safe when they go swimming.

Enjoy a summer of fun and swimming, and keep safe in the water at all times.