5 Timely Tips to Celebrate Water Safety Month
Did you know May is recognized as National Water Safety Month? With summer right around the corner, we want to highlight a few of the most valuable tips for keeping yourself and loved ones safe by the pool, lake or ocean this swim season.
Here’s how to stay safe around the water—and what to do in case of an emergency.
SAFETY FIRST AND FOREMOST
Before venturing into any body of water, ensure that you are well prepared with the proper swimming safety gear—especially if you’re with someone with little to no trained swimming skills. Goggles, water wings, inflatable rafts and body boards can all be utilized for safety and a more relaxing experience in the water. Keep some or all of these tools readily available, and remember to never leave an inexperienced swimmer in the water without attentive supervision.
FOLLOW SIGNS, GUIDELINES AND RULES
Once you’ve got your safety gear covered, it’s important to keep an eye out for any signs surrounding the swimming area. If you’re at a pool, signage indicating water depth, diving policies and lifeguard duties are common. Larger bodies of water such as oceans and lakes tend to have signs indicating whether a lifeguard is on duty, how tall waves may be and daily water temperatures. Always remember to take note of these factors before entering the water!
GET THE LOW-DOWN ON SWIMMING
This one seems obvious, but the very best way to ensure water safety is to learn how to swim! Invest in a few swimming lessons to build a level of skill and comfort in pools and any larger bodies of water. Regardless of age, safety and basic swim skills are essential for a positive experience in or near the water.
WHAT TO DO IN A WATER EMERGENCY
In the instance of an emergency, acting fast is absolutely crucial. Is there a lifeguard on duty? Call for help immediately, whether from an on-duty guard, a bystander or 911. If CPR is required, ask if anyone nearby is certified and able to provide help. CPR certification is simple to acquire via local courses and is highly recommended as a general life skill in case of any emergency. Most importantly, get any individual in need out of the water as quickly as possible and ask questions to determine their level of consciousness while you call for help.
BETTER PROTECTED WITH BUDDIES
Buddy up! Venturing into the water on your own puts you at higher risk of falling victim to a dangerous situation. Even the most highly skilled swimmers can encounter an unsafe situation in the water, so having people nearby is always a major safety net. Plus, swimming is much more fun with friends.
Memorial Day is only a few weeks away, which means pools are opening and people are growing eager to hit the beach. Keep the above safety tips in mind this summer for a stress-free, safety-first swim season.
