Summer Water Safety

The American National Red Cross has presented a series of safety tips for anyone planning to spend time around the water during the hot summer ahead.

General

• Learn to swim.
• Always swim with a buddy; never swim alone.
• Know your swimming limits and stay within them. Do not try to keep up with a stronger, skilled swimmer or encourage others to keep up with you.
• Swim in supervised areas only.
• Obey "No Diving" signs that indicate the area is unsafe for headfirst entries. Always enter feet-first when you do not know the depth of the water.
• Watch out for the "dangerous too's"-too tired, too cold, too far away from safety, too much sun, too much strenuous activity.
• Do not chew gum or eat while you swim; you could easily choke.
• Use common sense about swimming after eating.
• Alcohol and swimming do not mix. Alcohol impairs your judgment, balance, and coordination, especially in the water; it also reduces your body's ability to stay warm.
• Always wear a Coast Guard approved life jacket when boating and fishing.
• Know local weather conditions and prepare for electrical storms. Stop swimming or boating as soon as you see or hear a storm.
• Know how to prevent, recognize, and respond to emergencies. CHECK the scene for safety and CHECK the victim, CALL 9-1-1 or your local emergency number, and CARE for the person until help arrives.

In the event of a drowning:

• Remove the victim from the water, have someone call 9-1-1 or your local emergency number.
• Check consciousness and breathing.
• If the victim is not breathing, open the airway and attempt rescue breathing.
• If breaths do not go in, re-tilt the head and attempt rescue breathing.
• If air still does not go in, give abdominal thrusts (Heimlich maneuver) for children and adults to clear the airway.
• Once the airway is clear, provide rescue breathing or CPR as needed.

The American Red Cross