Summer 2022 is starting out extra hot and going to the lake or pool is a way to cool down and have fun. Water and Michigan go hand and hand, so it is imperative that you keep safety tips in mind to avoid water related accidents.
Water safety is important because it only takes a moment for an accident to happen. A child or weak swimmer can drown in the time it takes to reply to a text message (Red Cross, 2022). Deaths and injury from drownings happen every day in pools, oceans, lakes and even bathtubs. Improving water competency can help educate and eliminate future accidents. |
Here are some water safety tips to consider before your next pool/lake day:
| • | Wear a U.S. Coast Guard approved life jacket in the water if you are a child or inexperienced swimmer.
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| • | Inflatable toys or water wings designed for water do not take the place of a life jacket or adult supervision.
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| • | Swim in designated areas that are supervised by lifeguards if possible.
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| • | Even when a lifeguard is present, provide close constant attention to children. Avoid distractions, like cell phone use.
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| • | Always swim with a buddy; do not swim alone.
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| • | If in a large group, designate someone within the group to be a “water watcher”. Never ask a child to watch other children swim.
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| • | Never leave young children unattended near/in the water and teach children to ask permission to go near the water.
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| • | Stay within arm’s reach of children or inexperienced swimmers in the water.
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| • | If you have a pool, secure it with appropriate barriers to prevent unsupervised access to the water. (Red Cross, 2022) |
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| • | If you don’t know how to swim, learn! Take a class at the local YMCA. Also, don’t assume that just because you took a swim class, you are now considered safe from water hazards/drowning.
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| • | Be careful about diving into the water. If you see a “No Diving” sign, it means that the water is not safe for headfirst entry.
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| • | Avoid drinking alcohol when you are going to go swimming or when you are in charge of supervising someone who is swimming.
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| • | Learn CPR/First aid for water-related emergencies.
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| • | Know the local weather conditions before going in the water. Strong winds and thunderstorms can be dangerous for those in the water.
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| • | Understand currents when in open bodies of water. Currents are uncontrollable in the water. If you are ever caught in a current, try to remain calm. The best way to escape a current is to swim parallel to the shore. (NDPA, 2018) |
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Swimming and enjoying the water in the summer is a fun way to spend time with friends and family. Water not only brings people together it can also be a great form of exercise. Unfortunately, water can also be dangerous. Drowning is preventable. No one expects they will drown, yet it happens daily. Knowing how to swim is not enough to keep you safe. Education on water safety saves lives.
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