There's no better way to cool off in the summer than with a dip in the water. Whether you're splashing in a pool or setting sail on a lake, here are some important water safety tips to remember:
- Swim in designated areas supervised by lifeguards.
- Always swim with a buddy; do not allow anyone to swim alone. Even at a public pool or a lifeguarded beach, use the buddy system!
- Never leave a young child unattended near water and do not trust a child’s life to another child; teach children to always ask permission to go near water.
- Have young children or inexperienced swimmers wear U.S. Coast Guard approved personal flotation devices around water.
- When swimming at the lake or the pool, make sure you know the depth of water when diving. Too shallow water can result in spinal cord injury.
- Protect your skin from sunburn. Use a broad-spectrum sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher and reapply it throughout the day, especially after swimming or sweating. Help children apply sunscreen properly to ensure all exposed skin is protected.
- Limit alcohol use around the water. Alcohol can impair judgment, coordination and reaction time, increasing the risk of accidents and injuries. If you're boating, designate a sober operator.
A little preparation and awareness can go a long way toward making your time on the water safer and more enjoyable all year round.
For more water safety tips, visit the American Red Cross website.
