TUESDAY, JUNE 18, 2013
Summer will officially be here on June 21st, and the weather is getting warmer and local pools and beaches are starting to open. Hitting the community pool, visiting your local beach, or slipping the boat into the water are fun summer activities that most everyone loves.
While cooling off in a pool or lake can be a great way to spend the day, safety needs to come first. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), ten people die every day from unintentional drowning. (It is actually the fifth leading cause of unintentional death in the United States.)
No matter how you plan on having fun this summer, I hope that you're finding safe ways to do it and taking precautions to help prevent accidents. In case you will be in the water this summer, here are a few tips on how to stay safe while doing it:
- Swim with a Friend - It doesn't matter if you are in a pool, a lake, or the ocean, always swim with a partner. It is easy to get tired or develop a cramp while swimming, which makes getting out the water difficult. Swimming with a friend means there is always someone there to assist you, and, if necessary, get help.
- Swim within Your Limits - Know your limits when you are in the water. It is easy to get caught up in the fun and over-do it. Swimming out too far, especially in a lake or ocean can become a serious issue if you don't have enough energy to get back to shore. If you are inexperienced or just learning, it is best to stay in water where you can touch the bottom. Don't try to keep up with swimmers who are more experienced.
- Stay Close and Alert - When kids are in the pool always stay close and alert. Kids can get into trouble quickly so sure to stay close to the pool and always keep an eye on them. This is especially true if the pool is crowded.
- Stick to Safe Areas - Avoid swimming in areas that are not monitored by lifeguards. Currents and rip tides can be deadly and are prone to changing quickly so be aware of the area where you are swimming. Remember that swimming in an open body of water is quite different than swimming in a pool. Rip tides and currents can quickly drain your energy so be careful.
- Stick to Soft Drinks, Water, or Tea- Avoid alcoholic drinks. Booze can affect your judgment as well as your coordination and balance. Alcohol can also reduce your body's ability to keep warm. This can cause serious problems out in the open water.
- Wear a Life Jacket - If you are headed out on a boat be sure to have enough have U.S. Coast Guard approved life jackets. Children and inexperienced swimmers should have their life-jacket on whenever they are near the water.
I hope you are having a great summer so far and that you use these tips to stay safe when you are out in the pool or boat. Please feel free to forward these to your friends, family, neighbors, and more so that they too can be informed and stay safe in the water this summer.
Posted 11:28 AM
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