Summer is finally here; the weather is warm, the kids are out of school, and everyone wants to be outside. Keeping cool in the summer heat is critical for safety and for comfort alike. There’s nothing better for keeping cool and enjoying summer than a good swim! There are plenty of benefits to water activity but it’s also important to understand the safety concerns and be aware of procedures that alleviate those concerns.
Among preventable injuries, drowning is the leading cause of death for children 1-4 years of age.
Here are a few safety tips to help keep your family safe in the water this summer:
The first step in water safety is to stay close, stay alert, and watch closely.
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Never leave your child unattended near the water
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Teach children basic water safety tips
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Keep children away from pool drains, pipes, and other things that can trap them.
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Have a means of contacting emergency services at all times.
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Don’t rely on floaties, inflatable toys, or pool noodles for life preserving.
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Share your personal safety instructions with family, friends, or neighbors so everyone is on the same page.
Teach, learn, and practice water safety.
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Teach your children to swim and identify their limits.
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Learn CPR for children and adults and update those skill regularly.
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Understand the basics of life-saving so that you can assist in an emergency.
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Swim with a buddy; there’s safety in numbers!
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Avoid alcohol. It impairs your judgement and coordination.
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Enter the water feet first. It’s not always easy to determine water depth.
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Always be aware of body temperature; don’t get too hot and don’t swim if it’s too cold. This can hinder your ability and motor skills.
Have proper equipment at your pool or for your lake property.
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Make sure your pool is fenced-in with a lock on it and ensure that any neighborhood pools are the same.
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Empty portable pools when they’re not in use.
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Remove toys from the pool when not in use.
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Keep a safety kit handy for any slips and falls.
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Swim near lifeguards when at public pools or beaches.
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Stay within designated swimming areas.
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Follow safety rules posted in the area; avoid splashing and dunking.
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Keep life preservers and life jackets around and available.
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Use sunscreen and stay hydrated!
Swimming is one of the best parts of the summer and if you do it with safety in mind, it’ll keep you cool and having fun! Check out local CPR courses; getting certified is quick and easy and can save lives.
