Here are a few tips everyone should be aware of for a safe summer around water~
- Get swim lessons for children, knowing how to swim is the first line of defense.
- Never leave a child unattended around water.
- Be sure to review and enforce safety rules with your family.
- Get CPR certified.
- Do not allow anyone to swim alone.
- Teach children to always ask permission to go near water.
- Have young children or inexperienced swimmers wear life jackets around water, but do not rely on life jackets alone.
- If a child is missing, check the water first. Seconds count in preventing death or disability.
- It’s important to know your children’s limits, so when they start to feel tired, get out of the water and let them rest for awhile.
- Drink plenty of water and fluids when you're outside swimming and playing so you don't become dehydrated.
- Stop swimming or boating as soon as you see or hear a storm. Remember, lightning is electricity —the combination of electricity and water is dangerous.
- Take extra care when swimming in lakes or ponds since you can’t always see the bottom or know the depth of the water.
- Rivers and streams are moving bodies of water with varying currents due to changing depth or objects, such as trees and rocks. These objects can also pose entrapment hazards. Use caution in these environments.
- The beach also requires extra attention due to the variability in waves and currents. Make sure to check with lifeguards to see how strong the waves are. Be careful of riptides and inform your family to swim parallel to the shore.
- Assign adults time slots to watch children, NEVER assume someone else is watching.
- A general rule of thumb, all young children should be within arms distance from a supervising adult when around water.
- If you have a babysitter that takes your children swimming, ask if they know how to swim, are they CPR certified and review rules and safety precautions. Babysitters MUST understand the importance of vigilance when left in charge.
- Do NOT rely on lifeguards to watch your children, they are not babysitters and on crowded days have trouble seeing small children if they are underwater. This is a common mistake and can result in tragedy.
- You are the first line of defense for your child’s safety.
If you are interested in signing up your child(ren) for swim safety lessons, contact Mary Kerr at Aquatic Adventures.
