As the weather is heating up, more families are heading to splash pads, pools, lakes, beaches and rivers to cool off. But summer fun can quickly turn tragic when safety is not a priority and people of all ages and experience levels can be at risk.
By being alert and taking some precautions, accidents can be avoided and you can take full advantage of the many water activities summer has to offer.
Here are 10 tips from the American Red Cross:
1. Have everyone wear a U.S. Coast Guard-approved life jacket appropriate for their weight and size and the water activity. Always wear a life jacket while boating, regardless of swimming skill. If you are wondering when the best time is to wear a life jacket, the answer is whenever you are around water, whether you are planning to get in or not.
2. If your children don’t know how to swim, enroll them in swimming lessons. If you are an adult who can’t swim, there is no shame in taking classes or asking someone to teach you.
3. Know your limitations, including physical fitness, medical conditions.
4. Never swim alone; swim with lifeguards and/or water watchers present. At the beach, always swim in the lifeguarded area.
5. Swim sober.
6. Always stay with your children when they are in the water, even if a lifeguard is present. Teach them to ask for permission before going near water.
7. Be a “water watcher” – provide close and constant attention to children you are supervising; avoid distractions, including cell phones.
8. When in doubt, get out. If thunder is rumbling, the current feels too strong, or the waves feel too high or even if you feel cold or tired, trust your gut and get out of the water.
9. If you have a pool or spa, make sure to fence it in so that it is not accessible when you are not there to supervise.
10. Know what to do in a water emergency:
- When you see someone struggling in the water, your first instinct may be to jump in and help. However, unless you are a strong and experienced swimmer, jumping in increases the risk that both people drown. Instead, look for a long object to pull the struggling swimmer to safety.
- Know how to call for emergency help.
- Learn first aid and CPR. TSS offers classes that blend online instruction and live hands-on training. Learn more here.