As the weather gets warmer and outdoor pools start to open for the season, it’s a good idea to review water safety tips. Drowning is a leading cause of death for children. Following water safety guidelines and ensuring kids take them seriously can help prevent drowning.
Learn Water Competency
It only takes a moment for something to go wrong. Death and injuries from drownings happen in pools, hot tubs, bathtubs, open water, and even buckets. Closely supervise children in and around water.
Make sure everyone in your family learns to swim. As defined by the Red Cross, there are three main components to water competency: water smarts, swimming skills, and helping others.
That means learning fundamental water skills to keep you safer in and around water. It also means avoiding common dangers and knowing how to both prevent and respond to drowning emergencies. You can take swimming lessons to learn these skills.
Water Safety Tips
Here are a few safety tips to keep in mind when you’re in or around water.
- Never swim alone. Bring a friend or swim in an area that is supervised by a lifeguard on duty.
- Check the water conditions before entering if you’re swimming in open water. Look for signs of underwater hazards, rip currents, and pollution.
- Wear a life jacket or personal flotation device that fits properly when boating or enjoying water activities, especially if you’re not a strong swimmer.
- Avoid alcohol and drugs when participating in water activities.
- Learn basic water rescue techniques and CPR.
- Make sure pools and spas have appropriate barriers, including four-sided fencing to limit access to the water.
Swimming Skills
The Red Cross recommends learning to use these five skills in every type of water environment you might encounter, from home pools to the ocean:
- Enter water that’s above your head and then return to the surface.
- Float/tread water for at least one minute
- Turn over and turn around in the water.
- Swim at least 25 yards.
- Exit the water.
Stay safe on and around the water and enjoy your favorite water activities!
If you or a loved one has been injured, contact the Schuerman Law office today. Schuerman Law has been working with personal injury claims for over 40 years. John Schuerman will compassionately advocate for injured individuals as well as their families while fighting for full compensation of their claims. Schuerman Law offers evening and weekend appointments in addition to home and hospital visits. Schedule a free consultation today by calling 1-800-274-0045.
