Summer Water Safety Tips
As the weather heats up and summer is now in full swing, Strellis and Field wanted to share some water safety tips to keep you and your loved ones safe in and near the water. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, on average, about 10 fatal unintentional drownings occur daily, and drowning is the fifth leading cause of unintentional injury death in the United States.
Never swim alone. Even the best swimmers are not safe in the water alone. It is best to swim under the watchful eye of a lifeguard. Lifeguards, however, are not able to watch all swimmers at all times, therefore it is best to have a buddy or parent with you. Every time you go into the water make sure you have a buddy that is close by and you can always see each other. Parents should be no more than an arms-length away from their children.
Use proper flotation devices. According to the CDC, potentially half of all boating deaths could have been avoided if U.S. Coast Guard-approved life jackets were used. Make sure to remember that devices such as water wings, inner tubes, and pool noodles are not life-saving devices and should not be treated as so. If your child or friend is using any flotation device it is still imperative to be in the water together and to not be left alone.
Take breaks. People are more prone to accidents in the water if they are fatigued or dehydrated from swimming. This is why many pools implement safety breaks to ensure the swimmers can quickly break to catch their breath, rehydrate, and reapply sunscreen. If you are swimming elsewhere where there are no mandated safety breaks, it is a good idea to take your own “safety break.” Furthermore, it is vital that swimmers do not play breath-holding games. When people intentionally hold their breath for long periods of time or hyperventilate before going underwater, they are at a higher risk of passing out or drowning.
Enter the water feet first. You never know what is below you in the water or how deep the water truly is, therefore, it is crucial to always enter the water feet first to avoid injury. Diving is dangerous and can result in serious injury if not done properly. Even if you believe the water is deep enough to dive into a lake or ocean, tides can change and objects can move under the water, thus, it is always best to enter with your feet first.
Practice your swimming skills. Humans can not instinctively swim; therefore, it is an activity and skill that must be learned. Formal swimming lessons are essential for children and adults alike to be comfortable in the water. When swimmers are relaxed and comfortable, they are far safer in the water. The earlier children are able to learn how to swim, the better. Swimming lessons and practicing your swimming skills are important, but even the best swimmers at any age need to be supervised and careful.
Learn CPR. In the event that an accident occurs in the water, bystanders are often the first to respond, and it takes time for paramedics to arrive. Consequently, knowing how to perform CPR properly can be the difference between life and death. You can become CPR certified through the American Red Cross, and you can be the difference that helps save a friend, family member, or even a stranger.
These tips are not an exhaustive list on how to stay safe near and in the water; however, we hope this helps you and your family as you spend time by the water this summer. If you would like to read some of our other Strellis and Field tips and blog posts click here.
