Make a Splash with Good Water Safety
July 2, 2018
There’s nothing like a dip to beat summer’s heat. Good water safety practices ensure a good time for all at the water’s edge. Whether pool, beach or even a hot tub, a good offense is the best defense. Learning how to swim is the best way to keep you and your family safe.
These tips from the American Red Cross will also help you make water safety a priority:
- Swim in designated areas supervised by lifeguards.</li> <li>Always swim with a buddy; do not let anyone swim alone, even when there’s a lifeguard.
- Never leave a young child unattended near water, and do not trust a child’s life to another child.</li> <li>Teach children to always ask permission to go near water.
- Have young children or inexperienced swimmers wear life jackets around water, but don’t rely on life jackets alone.
- Establish rules and enforce them. Set limits based on ability. Ban play around drains and suction fittings. Forbid breath-holding contests.
- Even if you don’t plan on swimming, be careful around natural bodies of water like rivers and lakes. Cold temperatures, currents and underwater hazards can make a fall into the water dangerous.
- If you go boating, wear a life jacket! Most boating fatalities occur from drowning.</li> <li>Avoid alcohol use. It impairs judgment, balance and coordination and affects swimming and diving skills.