•    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