As summer approaches, and we peel off our heavy winter coats in exchange for swimsuits and sunscreen, the beach beckons! Taking some time to cool down with a dip in the ocean is a favorite pastime of many of us this season. But whether you’re a seasoned wave-rider or an amateur splasher, it’s important to take safety seriously when swimming—for both comfort and protection. So grab your towel (and maybe even a lifejacket!), brush up on these swimming tips, and get ready to make some waves this summer!
Learn These Swimming Tips Before You Dive In!
Swimming is a fun activity that can help you stay active and healthy, especially during the hot summer months. However, it is also essential to be safe around water, especially for children. It is crucial to follow tips from the American Red Cross, a trusted organization that has been providing water safety resources for more than 140 years. Below, we will highlight the top swimming tips from the American Red Cross that can help keep you and your family safe around water.
1. Supervising Children Near Water
When supervising children near water, never let them out of your sight. Always provide close and constant attention, and avoid distractions like phones or books. Always swim in designated areas supervised by lifeguards, and always swim with a buddy. If you are in a group setting, designate a “water watcher” who will stay focused on supervising the children in the water.
2. Precautions for Children
To keep children safe around water, adults should take precautions such as using life jackets and creating barriers to pools. Never rely on items like water wings or swim rings instead of adult supervision. Always use approved flotation devices, and make sure they are appropriately fitted. Children under the age of five and inexperienced swimmers should always wear U.S Coast Guard-approved life jackets while swimming.
3. Learn to Swim
Everyone in the family should learn to swim, know what to do in a water emergency, and enroll in Red Cross courses to prevent and respond to emergencies. The Red Cross offers swim classes to children as young as six months old, and it is never too late to learn how to swim. Enrolling in a class can help you develop essential water safety skills and give you the confidence to enjoy all types of water activities.
4. Appropriate Equipment
It is essential to use appropriate equipment when swimming, especially in open water. Always wear sunscreen with at least 30 SPF, even on cloudy days. Wear protective clothing like rash guards, hats, and sunglasses to protect yourself from harmful sun rays. If you plan to swim in cold water, wear wetsuits or drysuits to protect yourself from hypothermia.
5. Responding to Emergencies
In case of an emergency, always follow the Red Cross’s three primary steps: Reach, Throw, and Don’t Go. If you are observing someone in distress and can reach them safely, extend your arm or an object to pull them back to shore. If you cannot reach the person, throw a flotation device to provide support. Never try to rescue someone in distress by yourself. If someone needs help, immediately contact a lifeguard or call 911.
Swimming is a fun and healthy activity, but it needs to be done safely. By following these tips from the American Red Cross, you can help keep yourself and your family safe around water. Remember to supervise children, take precautions such as using life jackets, enroll in Red Cross courses to learn essential water safety skills, use appropriate equipment, and know how to respond in case of an emergency. With these tips in mind, you can enjoy all the benefits of swimming without sacrificing safety. Happy swimming!
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