Water Safety Tips

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During the summer months, there is nothing like spending an afternoon swimming in a pool or ocean. Without the proper preparation and knowledge, however, swimming can be dangerous and lead to serious injury or even death. Consider the following water safety tips as you spend more time outside swimming. Also note that water safety encompasses behavior in and around any body of water such as a pool, beach, lake, or river.  

Learn to swim  

Children can start swimming lessons as early as six months old. If you are an adult who cannot swim, enroll in lessons. Swim lessons not only teach you to swim, but also allow you to practice water safety rules, how to react in dangerous situations, and overall help you feel more comfortable in the water. 

Never Swim Alone

Supervision is the number one rule when it comes to safe swimming. Take note of if there is a lifeguard on duty. Ensure someone is with you when you swim, even if you are an adult. Always supervise children and encourage the buddy system, plus its way more fun to swim with a friend!  

Look out for Others  

Always call for help if someone is in trouble and learn how to recognize the signs of a swimmer in distress. Signs that a swimmer is in danger may appear as someone gasping for air, flailing their arms, swimming the wrong way, or face down in the water.  

Remember "reach and throw, don't go" if a swimmer is in distress (American Red Cross). While someone’s first instinct may be to help on their own, this can put them at risk of drowning while trying to help. Throw a swimmer something that floats before jumping in to save them. 

Wear a Life Jacket  

If you are on a watercraft or unable to swim, wear a Coast Guard-approved life jacket while around water, even if you are not necessarily swimming in it. Remember that floaties, pool noodles, and other pool equipment are not considered lifesaving devices and should never be used as a substitute for a life jacket.  

Check the Water and Surrounding Areas  

Before entering any body of water, make sure it is safe, and you are allowed to do so. If a lifeguard is on duty, they will advise swimmers of any safety concerns or unsafe conditions. If no lifeguards are present and you are allowed to swim at your own risk, be aware of the weather and conditions of the water such as rip currents, the presences of dangerous sea life, and the tides. Never swim during a thunderstorm and do not go swimming at night or when visibility is low.  

Learn how to recognize rip currents at the beach. According to Ocean Today, rip currents usually appear as flat, calm spots where water is not breaking during low tide.  If you get caught in strong, fast-moving water such as a rip current, lay back and point feet downstream with toes facing upward to avoid going underwater. Swim parallel to the shore and swim back to land at an angle.  

Obey Water Safety Rules 

Read and follow any posted signs regarding the water. Never run around a pool deck or dive in shallow water and always enter the pool feet first. At the beach, read high and low tide charts and know where designated swim areas are. Stay proactive by always being aware of water safety and, if possible, learning lifesaving techniques such as CPR.  

Global Travel Plus wishes you and your family a happy and safe summer travel season. Always remember that safe swimmers are happy swimmers! 

Source:  

https://oceantoday.noaa.gov/ripcurrentfeature/ 

https://www.redcross.org/content/dam/redcross/atg/PDFs/Take_a_Class/Reach_or_throw_dont_go.pdf 
Posted: 7/23/2021 12:28:51 PM