Now that summer is knocking on our doors, let’s take another moment to talk about water. While swimming pools, reservoirs, lakes, rivers, and splashpads are great places for family fun, they can be dangerous without following proper safety measures.
There are several steps you can take to keep you and others safe while playing in water this summer.
First, teaching children how to swim is not only a fun activity, but also a lifesaving skill. Small children should also be taught to stay away from drains or suction outlets in shallow pools, so they don’t get stuck.
Second, even when there is a lifeguard at the body of water where your family is swimming, parents and caregivers should continue to serve as “water watchers.”
“Water watchers are adults who are tasked with supervising children in the water,” explained Council Member Melissa Worthen. “A water watcher shouldn’t be reading, texting, or playing games on their phone while watching. Sometimes it is helpful to have multiple adults available to take turns being the water watchers during these outings so everyone can enjoy their day and find some time to relax.”
Third, if you are boating, kayaking, paddle boarding, or floating, make sure you have life jackets on board that fit everyone properly.
“According to the U.S. Coast Guard, you will know a life jacket fits properly if it fits snugly and does not rise above the wearer’s chin or ears while in the water,” said Council Member Kelvin Green. “Don’t forget that children 12 years and younger must wear a life jacket when participating in motorized, paddling, and floating water crafts.
Following these tips can help you have a fantastic summer by creating a framework where you can “cool off” in the water safely!
