How to swim safer
Always swim with a buddy.
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Swimming with a buddy is important because anyone can become tired or get muscle
cramps, which might make it difficult to get out of the water. When people swim
together, they can help each other or go for help in case of an emergency.
Supervise all youth swimmers
Children are creative and can invent their own entertainment. In open water this can lead to running, breath holding competitions, diving contests, and swimming races. Their excitement can lead to a lack of awareness about of the dangers of open water and their abilities. A tired swimmer is a swimmer at risk. Adult supervision improves swimmer safety and allows children to focus on the fun.
Know your limits
As in all areas of life we all have differing degrees of skill. When it comes to swimming it is important to swim within your skill level. Less skilled swimmer should stay in areas of the water where they are able to stand with their head above the water. Swimming is an sport and swimmers need to remember to take breaks and not get too tired.
Everyone should learn how to swim
Swimming is a life skill that all individuals should learn how to do. Swimming programs for adults and children are available to teach people how to be safer around water. Every person needs to be able to swim well enough that they are able to get to safety if they fall into a body of water.
Classes are available though many sources including American Red Cross, Foss Swim School, and Community centers.
Swim only in designated safe areas
Not all areas are right for swimming or wading. It is always important to make sure water is safe before entering. Swimming in moving bodies of waters like rivers or oceans can be more challenging because changes in water may pull a swimmer in an unwanted direction. Check to see if signs are posted by water telling if the area is safe for swimming. Bacteria can grow in water, and swimming in that water can make you sick. Swimmers should ask lifeguards, pool owners, or city representatives if water is free from illness causing bacteria.
Be prepared in case of Emergency
Nothing is scarier than when you can’t find a friend or loved one. The situation becomes more intense when an individual is lost around water. A few easy steps can help you feel more comfortable around the water even in an emergency situation.
- Have Coast Guard certified floatation devices around areas before allowing others to go into the water.
- If someone is missing call for help, and if able help search the water first.
- Call 9-1-1 or other local emergency number if person was located underwater and is not breathing.
- Take water safety classes, first aid and CPR/AED classes to increase your ability to help in an emergency. These classes are available through local community centers, swimming centers, and the American Red Cross
All flotation devices are not created equal
Just because a water toy is able to float does not mean that it is an appropriate flotation device. In fact, the use of floating water toys actually increases the need for excellent supervision. Floating water toys allow people to move to areas of water in which they might not feel comfortable without the flotation, providing a false since of security. This means that swimmers could easily run into trouble if they lose their flotation in the water.
Avoid alcohol
Use of alcohol reduces an individual’s reaction time and can make them sleepy, this makes swimming more dangerous. Alcohol also impairs judgment, balance, and coordination. It also decreases swimmer’s diving and swimming skills, and impairs the bodies ability to stay warm.
Watch weather conditions
Swimming in bad weather is a bad idea. Changes in weather from wind can increase water movement or chop and blow hazards into water. Lightening can strike water or trees and send electricity through water causing electric shock.