Our Top 9 Water Safety Tips

There’s nothing quite like jumping into a refreshing lake on a hot day or swimming laps in the pool. Not only is swimming great exercise, it’s also a fun way to spend time together as a family. The key is keeping everyone safe and alert.
Many people underestimate how dangerous swimming can be without careful preparation. But according to the American Red Cross, drowning is a leading cause of death for children. It can happen quickly – so here’s how to be prepared:

1. Never swim alone. Be sure to swim with at least one other person you know, or where a lifeguard is on duty.
2. Watch children closely. Young children can drown in as little as one inch of water. It’s tempting to chat with friends or scroll on your phone poolside, but stay vigilant when children are in the water. Keep small children within an arm’s length and watch older children especially if they’re jumping in or playing games in the water.
3. Don’t play breath-holding games. This can be dangerous and lead to hyperventilation or passing out underwater.
4. Wear life vests. Be sure young children and inexperienced swimmers wear life jackets.
5. Avoid using alcohol. Drinks and swimming or boating don’t mix.
6. Learn CPR. You never know when you may need this valuable skill and it could save a life!
7. Learn water survival skills. Enrolling your child in swim lessons is the best way to keep them safe, but at minimum, ensure your family learns how to properly enter the water, get a breath, stay afloat, change positions, and swim a distance then get out of the water safely. If you don’t know how to swim well, learn to float and tread water for at least 10 minutes.
8. Know the weather conditions. Currents, undertow, and changing weather can change the safety landscape in a hurry.
9. Be attentive to your body. If you feel cold or tired, get out of the water and rest.

If you’re interested in enrolling in a CPR class, you can get started with the Red Cross here.