10 Water Safety Tips
Learning to swim is our #1 water safety rule. Drowning continues to be a major health issue across the entire globe; though, it is largely preventable. Taking formal swim lessons can reduce the risk of drowning by 88% among kids aged 1-4. (Source: Pediatrics & Adolescent Medicine 2009) Hypoxic blackout, commonly known as shallow water blackout, is a silent killer of advanced swimmers, free divers, and special military forces. USLA has calculated the chance that a person will drown while attending a beach protected by USLA affiliated lifeguards at 1 in 18 million (.0000055%). This is based on the last ten years of reports from USLA affiliated lifeguard agencies, comparing estimated beach attendance to the number of drownings in areas under lifeguard protection. Personal Flotation Device (PFD), life jacket, life vest – call it what you want. Lifejackets do not work unless you put them on. 90% of drowning victims from boating accidents were not wearing life vests. Swimming proficiency plays only a small part in ice-related rescues. After as little as five minutes, cold water begins to rob you of your ability to move your limbs. This makes it very difficult for you to get out of the water, no matter what your swimming ability. Even a strong swimmer can drown trying to help others. Don’t go into the water unless you are trained. Recognizing and following safety signs can alert you of dangerous water, erosion, and beach conditions. Get familiar with specific water safety signs. Inclimate weather is a known contributor to drownings. It also makes rescue attempts that much more dangerous. Did you know you can break your neck or get a spinal cord injury from diving into water five feet or less?Estimates show the speed of a dive is about 15 feet per second. If the water is only 5’ deep you could be paralyzed in 1/3 of a second. Nobody can help you if you get into trouble while swimming alone. Nobody can call for help or throw you a life ring. Adult supervision is of utmost importance for the safety of children.Learn to Swim
Know your limits. Holding your breath is dangerous.
Swim in lifeguarded areas.
Wear a lifejacket!
Stay away from frozen bodies of water.
To assist others, reach or throw, don’t go.
Follow all posted safety signs.
Don’t swim in bad weather.
Feet first! Never dive in shallow or unknown waters.
Buddy up – never swim alone.
