Wellness Wednesday: Water Safety Tips

When you hit the lake this summer, stay safe with these tips!

The dog days are far from over! As are spending your day at the beach or in the local pool. As a former lifeguard, I have experienced many stressful situations involving water. So, with the summer months in full swing, I want to bring you some water safety tips to keep yourself, friends and family safe!

Supervise

Always provide constant supervision for both children and teenage swimmers. Regardless of swimming experience, staying within an arm’s reach can prevent accidents if the swimmer panics, has an equipment malfunction or needs assistance.

Wear a Life Vest

Water activities come in many varieties — boating, rafting, tubing, swimming in open water, paddle boarding, kayaking… the list goes on. Regardless of your watersport of choice, everyone involved should wear a life vest. Another tip: make sure young children wear a life vest whenever they are even near water. This includes while they are on a beach or a dock. There are many types of life vests on the market, check out which is best for your family, and ensure they fit correctly!

Use the Buddy System

As relaxing as the water may be, do not swim alone, and stay within arm’s reach of children. A 1:1 adult-to-child ratio is recommended for kids ages 1 to 5. This ensures there is always an adult available to assist. For older children and adults, send them off in pairs if they want to explore the water.

Along those lines, never assume someone else is watching. Often, there are just enough people at a pool party or large gathering to assume someone is on the lookout. However, just because everyone is watching, doesn’t mean they are paying attention.

Learn to Swim

No matter your age, learning to swim is one of the best ways to be safe in and around the water. If you are unsure of your or your child’s skill level, a refresher course can be a good idea!

Set Family Rules

Whether you are at a friend’s pool, or out in a crowded area, make family rules to stick to. Here are a few to start with:

• Don’t swim under any structures or floating items, even if the path seems clear
• Do not hang onto other swimmers, it can put them at risk
• Check in at regular intervals (15 to 30 minutes)

Know What a Distressed Swimmer Looks Like

Swimmers having trouble may not look much different than other people splashing around in the pool. As they panic, it can be hard for them to call out for help.  Distressed swimmers can be vertical in the water with their heads tilted back, while their arms and legs look as if they’re climbing a ladder or pushing down on the surface of the water.

To read more about what to look for, or practice spotting a distressed swimmer, check out this article!

As you enjoy fun in the sun this summer, I hope some of these tips benefit you. Time spent on the water is an opportunity to make memories that last a lifetime. Stay safe out there!