Whether you're cooling off in a lake, the ocean, or in the pool, it’s always a good idea to review, prepare, and be aware of the potential dangers and best safeguards so that everyone has fun in the water. Here are seven important summer swimming safety tips from the team at IEP Urgent Care:
Be Vigilant
Drowning happens quickly and silently. Drowning It does not involve lots of splashing and waving as is sometimes depicted in movies. Sadly, there are more instances than can be counted of parents who were supervising a child and turned away “for just a minute” to get a drink, check the phone, answer the door, etc. For infants and small children, the same vigilance must be applied whether they are in the bathtub, a pool, or any container of water. According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, it is the leading cause of injury related death for children. Having multiple sets of eyes on children when they swim is another great way to make sure someone can quickly help, should trouble arise.
Make sure flotation devices fit properly
Just as you need to make sure your child is sitting in the properly sized car seat for his or her size and weight, so should you make sure that your child is wearing a proper floatation device that fits snugly and properly. While it may be tempting, do not get a flotation device that is “just a little big” so that they will grow into it.
Wear the right colored swimwear
You may not give much thought to the color of the swimwear you choose for yourself or your family, but it does make a difference. Making yourself clearly visible in the water, should you encounter trouble or distress, is an important safety precaution. Stay away from blues and greens, bright yellow is best, but as this article in USA Today points out, certain colors work best based on the type of swimming water, lake or ocean.
Beware of riptides
Riptides are a dangerous wave phenomenon that can have deadly consequences. Typically, riptides happen in ocean water, but they can also happen in large lakes. Areas that are prone to riptide activity usually post general warnings. Prevailing tides and weather conditions can also impact the frequency and severity of rip tides. Knowing how riptides behave and how to escape a riptide should you get caught up in one are essential safety skills for anyone who goes into an ocean or large lake for a swim.
Learn CPR
In the event that you encounter someone in distress, knowing CPR can help save a life. The American Red Cross offers a free CPR course with trained professionals somewhere near you.
Don’t forget the sunscreen
Using high-quality sunscreen is always a good idea whenever you are outdoors. Here’s an updated list of the best sunscreen products from The New York Times Wirecutter staff, featuring some that are more appropriate for when you are in the water.
And consider this if you own an outdoor pool and a dog:
Securely attaching a standard rubber outdoor floor mat to the side of an inground pool can save a smaller dog’s life. A dog who falls into the pool can use the woven rubber to grab and climb out of the pool. This may not work for larger dogs, who would require some type of ramp to get out of the pool. Here’s a video that demonstrates how it works.