As the weather heats up many of us seek relief in pools and waterways to swim, paddle board, kayak, fish, canoe, and sail. In the time it takes to check your text messages a child can drown. Every day a death occurs from drowning in home pools, hot tubs, oceans, lakes, rivers streams, bathtubs and even buckets. Drowning is the leading cause of death for children in the United States and ten people die each day from unintentional drowning. To improve the safety of yourself and those around you when you are near water take the following precautions:
- Know your limitations, including physical fitness and medical conditions.
- Never swim alone; swim with lifeguards and/or water watchers present.
- Wear a U.S. Coast Guard-approved life jacket appropriate for your weight and size and the water activity. Always wear a life jacket while boating, regardless of swimming skill.
- Swim sober.
- Understand the dangers of hyperventilation and hypoxic blackout.
- Know how to call for help.
- Understand and adjust for the unique risks of the water environment you are in, such as:
- River currents.
- Ocean rip currents.
- Water temperature.
- Shallow or unclear water.
- Underwater hazards, such as vegetation and animals.
Pay close attention to children or weak swimmers in or near water. Know the signs that someone is drowning, and how to safely assist a drowning person. Get certified in CPR and first aid.
