• Swim when and where lifeguards are on duty
• If at the beach, learn about the local water conditions, currents, rules, etc. before entering the water
• Never swim in unfamiliar waters
• Use appropriate safety equipment such as lifejackets
• Be sure that your gear such as scuba tanks, masks, snorkels, etc. are properly fitted and maintained
• Never swim alone
• Do not drink alcohol before or during swimming, diving or boating
• Do not dive into shallow water – always enter feet first
• Closely supervise children around water
• Obey posted signs and warnings
• Familiarize yourself with the meaning of and obey colored beach flags (these may vary from beach to beach)
• Use experienced guides when boating, scuba diving or participating in water-related activities
• Learn about the local sea animals such as urchins, jellyfish, coral, etc. before entering the water
• Watch for signs of rip currents – if you are caught in a rip current, swim parallel to the shore until free, then swim diagonally toward shore
Avoiding germs in the water
• Do not swallow water
• Do not swim with open cuts or wounds as breaks in skin can allow harmful germs into your body
• Do not swim if you have diarrhea
• Do not swim in cloudy/murky water