Everyone wants too cool down during the hot December holidays. One should always be aware of water safety tips. The NSRI shares a few: 1. Swim at beaches where and when lifeguards are on duty.
Listen to their advice and talk to them about beach safety. They are the experts. If lifeguards are not on duty, do not swim there.
2. Swim between the lifeguard flags. Teach children that if they swim between the lifeguard flags the lifeguards will be watching them and can help if there is a problem. Lifeguards watch swimmers very carefully between the flags – just wave an arm if you need help.
3. Don’t drink alcohol and then swim.
4. Don’t swim alone. Always swim with a buddy. If you are with a buddy while swimming there is someone who can call for help if you can’t wave to the lifeguards or call for help yourself.
5. Always supervise your children. Adults who are supervising children in or near water must be able to swim. Children should not be able to get through or over barriers, such as pool fences, to water. Only use child-safe pool fences and child-safe pool covers or nets.
6. Know how to survive rip currents. Educate yourself about rip currents, know what they look like and how to handle them if you find yourself caught in one.
7. Don’t attempt a rescue yourself. If you see someone in difficulty, alert a lifeguard at once. If possible, throw something that floats to the person.
8. Avoid bringing tubes and pool inflatables to the beach or dam. As much fun as inflatables are, they can be blown away from shore very easily. If a child or adult can’t swim and falls off in deep water, they will drown.
9. Drowning is silent. Watch children when they are in or near water. Do not be distracted by your cellphone or social media; you need to focus on them and nothing else.
Learn how to perform CPR. And always have emergency numbers saved on your phone.
