How to swim safely this summer

Swimming pool tile / photo courtesy of Getty Images
Swimming pool tile / photo courtesy of Getty Images

The American Red Cross and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention offer these important swimming safety tips people should be aware of before heading for the pool or beach:

- Swim in designated areas supervised by lifeguards.

- Always swim with a buddy; do not allow anyone to swim alone.

- Know the risks of swimming in natural waters. Lakes, rivers, and oceans often have hidden hazards such as dangerous currents or waves, rocks or vegetation, and limited visibility. Check the forecast before activities in, on, or near water. Local weather conditions can change quickly and cause dangerous flash floods, strong winds, and thunderstorms with lightning strikes.

- Never leave a young child unattended near water and do not trust a child's life to another child; teach children to always ask permission to go near water.

- Have young children or inexperienced swimmers wear U.S. Coast Guard-approved life jackets around water, but do not rely on life jackets alone.

- Maintain constant supervision.

- Avoid drinking alcohol before or during swimming, boating, or other water activities. Do not drink alcohol while supervising children. Alcohol impairs judgment, balance, and coordination.

- Make sure everyone in your family learns to swim well. Enroll in age-appropriate Red Cross water orientation and learn-to-swim courses.

- If you have a pool, secure it with appropriate barriers. Many children who drown in home pools were out of sight for less than five minutes and in the care of one or both parents at the time.

- Avoid distractions when supervising children around water.

- If a child is missing, check the water first. Seconds count in preventing death or disability.

- Have appropriate equipment, such as reaching or throwing equipment, a cellphone, life jackets and a first aid kit.

- Know how and when to call 911 or the local emergency number.

- Enroll in Red Cross home pool safety, water safety, first aid and courses on CPR and automated external defibrillators to learn how to prevent and respond to emergencies.

- Protect your skin. Limit the amount of direct sunlight you receive between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. and wear sunscreen with a protection factor of at least 15.

- Drink plenty of water regularly, even if you're not thirsty. Avoid drinks with alcohol or caffeine in them.

- Avoid swimming if you take medications that impair your balance, coordination or judgment. These side effects increase the risk of drowning. Several medications can produce these side effects, such as those used for anxiety and other mental health conditions.

- Do not let swimmers hyperventilate before swimming underwater or try to hold their breath for long periods of time. This can cause them to pass out and drown. This is sometimes called hypoxic blackout or shallow water blackout.

Source: American Red Cross and CDC

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