Water Safety: How to Stay Safe Around The Pool, Lake Or Ocean This Summer and Beyond

Swimming is both a fun family activity and a fantastic form of exercise. For some, nothing compares to spending a day swimming in the pool, lake, or ocean. Unfortunately, many people are unaware of how risky swimming can be without proper preparation and safety education.

It only takes a moment. In the time it takes to send a text message, check a fishing line, or put on sunscreen, a child or an inexperienced swimmer can drown or become injured. Far too often, drowning deaths and injuries occur in hot tubs, swimming pools, beaches, lakes, rivers, and streams.

To keep that from happening, we have compiled a list of 8 things to do and be aware of to make sure your next visit to the pool, lake, river or beach is safe.

1. Never Swim Alone

Restrict swimming to times when a lifeguard (or a water-competent individual) is present. In addition to swimming with a lifeguard on duty, using the buddy system is a great rule for both children and adults. Your child should always swim with a friend or family member so that they can watch out for one another in case parents or other water-competent adults aren’t with them in the water. Swimming with a buddy is not only more enjoyable, but it also provides a backup in case something goes wrong.

2. Keep an Eye on Children While They’re in the Water

Parents need some downtime, too, but unfortunately that can’t come while kids are in the water. Whether they’re swimming in a lake, ocean, bathtub, or a swimming pool, a parent should always be within arm’s reach of a young child, need to keep an eye on older kids, too. Even children who are strong swimmers need supervision since they’re prone to try tricks, flips, and dives in the water – all of which can be hazardous.

3. Always Wear a Life Vest

For young children and unskilled swimmers, using a life jacket whenever you’re in or around the water is a smart choice. And always choose one that has received Coast Guard certification. There are many items on the market that promise to keep kids floating, inlcuding water wings, floaties, pool noodles, etc. However, these cannot take the place of life preservers or other lifesaving equipment in an actual emergency. Use these other items only if a responsible adult is nearby.

4. Remain in the Designated Swimming Areas

A key to remaining safe while swimming is to stay within the designated swim areas, whether you’re in a lake, ocean, or pool. Teach kids about ropes and why swimming pools are divided. Never encourage a child to swim in water deeper than their capabilities will allow, and always follow the rules that the local lifeguards have established, especially if you’re swimming in a lake or the ocean.

5. Beware of Rip Currents

Rip currents are powerful, channeled currents of water flowing away from shore. When you’re caught in one, you can be pulled further and further away from shore. Any beach with breaking waves, even lakeshores, can experience rip currents. That’s why it’s important to know the current water conditions and where the nearest lifeguard is located. If you find yourself in a rip current, try not to fight it. Stay calm and swim or float parallel to the shore. Then, when you’ve exited the current, swim toward the shore.

6. Don’t Dive into Shallow Water

People who jump or dive into shallow water headfirst risk serious harm. And that’s common in bodies of water where you can’t see the bottom or those that aren’t marked. Make sure you and your children know how and where to enter and depart the water safely. If you want to jump and dive, make sure you do it properly and identify the locations where it is safe to do so. No matter how deep the water is, don’t allow diving if the pool (or whatever body of water you’re swimming in) doesn’t have a specific place for it.

7. Avoid Drinking Alcohol Around the Water

Swimming and alcohol don’t mix. Drinking alcohol impairs judgment and coordination, which might make you less rational and encourage risky behavior. Alcohol also hastens the process of becoming dehydrated on a hot day. Parents should use caution as well. Never drink alcohol while keeping an eye on your kids in the water. In addition to making you preoccupied, it might prevent you from responding effectively if an emergency arises.

8. Learn CPR

Although we sincerely hope that your family will take these recommendations to heart and remain safe in the water, the unfortunate fact is that accidents do happen. Bystanders are usually the first to react and offer assistance in the event of a swimming accident or drowning incident. That’s why it’s essential that you’re knowledgeable about CPR for both children and adults, which can be the difference between life and death. Many local pools and community centers offer basic lifesaving and CPR classes. Taking one just might save someone’s life.

Water fun is one of the best parts of summer, so don’t miss out. Just follow these guidelines to keep yourself and your family safe. And while you’re at it, be sure to stay hydrated and wear sunscreen while you’re out. Because water isn’t the only danger the summer sun and heat can bring.