Water Safety Tips: Make your summer safe.
This is turning into a SUMMER SAFETY week. Not really planned.. but hey, it works. Here’s how you can stay safe on the water this summer.
General Water Safety:
Let’s get started with a bang..
Learn Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR). It can mean the difference between life and death for you or your loved ones. Check with the Red Cross or the American Heart Association about registering for a CPR class in your area.
Use life jackets. Young and inexperienced swimmers may want to use a life jacket but it can literally be a “life saver.” Do not use any sort of air-filled or foam toys as the only means of safety as they are not designed to keep swimmers safe.
ALWAYS supervise children. Whether you’re in your personal backyard, public pool, or at the beach, make sure there is a responsible, designated adult to supervise children that are swimming. It only takes a split second for something to happen.
Swim with a friend. It’s a best practice for swimmers of all ages, including adults to be in the water with a buddy or friend. Consider it your best friend backup.
Avoid alcohol. It impairs your judgment, balance, coordination, and your body’s ability to stay warm. Avoid it when swimming and supervising children.
ALWAYS feet first. Serious injuries ranging from paralysis to even death can occur from diving head first into unknown water and hitting the bottom. Enter headfirst only when the area is clearly marked for diving.
Test the TEMP. Jumping into cold water can shock your body and elevate your heart rate and blood pressure, and also slow your muscles, making it difficult to swim so it’s really important to test the water in conditions that can cause variances in temperature.
Know when and where to phone. Nowadays its really simple because everyone has their cellphones but no matter where you are swimming, the ability to call 911 in an emergency could be a lifesaver.
Being diligent even when having fun on the water is super important. Common sense and education are key when it comes to water and pool safety. Educating children at a very young age, and keeping yourself informed, can lead to a lifetime of healthy, safe swimmers and avoidance of terrifying and life changing situations.
