HomeNewsWater safety tips from our trauma education team

Water safety tips from our trauma education team

It’s getting to be that time of year again when everyone is enjoying the warmer weather and thinking about how to spend their days. Often they are spent boating, swimming, or fishing. These can be fun times and be a great opportunity to make memories with family and friends, but water can also be dangerous. So here are a few safety tips to be aware of before you head out.

Swimming Safety Tips

Always swim with a buddy, preferably in an area supervised by lifeguards, but never swim alone.

Children should never be left unattended near water; teach children to always ask permission to go near water.

Maintain constant supervision, and avoid other distractions.

Take swimming lessons and ensure the whole family learns to swim.

Don’t dive into unknown bodies of water, like lakes, rivers, quarries, or irrigation ditches. Jump feet first to avoid hitting your head, or injuring your neck on the shallow bottom, a hidden rock, or other obstruction.

Do not swim if you have been drinking alcohol.

Do not exceed your swimming ability.

Avoid holding your breath games as this can cause lead to hyperventilating or low oxygen levels and can cause drowning.

Have young children or inexperienced swimmer wear life jackets around water, but do not rely on life jackets alone.

 

Boating Safety Tips

Don’t drink and boat.

Insist that everyone wear a life jacket.

Always tell someone where you will be boating, when you expect to be back, and what your boat looks like.

Ensure your boat has the appropriate safety lights.

Don’t carry more passengers than the maximum capacity listed on the boat.

 

General water safety tips

Check the weather prior to leaving; never participate in water events during thunderstorms or bad weather.

Drink plenty of water.

Protect your skin. Limit the amount of direct sunlight you receive between 10am and 4pm. Wear sunscreen.

Have appropriate equipment, such as reaching or throwing equipment, a cell phone, life jackets, and a first aid kit readily available at all times.

Consider taking a CPR class.

Hope you get out and enjoy the weather! Have a great summer.