Water Safety is A Lifesaving Habit
Drownings occur most frequently in the bathtub and pools. Most times drownings occur from momentary lack of supervision. Children are most at risk; and those between one and four are most at risk.
- Learn to swim well enough to survive in an emergency.
- Enroll your children in a Red Cross swim class at age three. This is an enjoyable and safe way to learn how to swim.
- Take lessons with your child if you can't swim
- Do not substitute inflatable devices for swimming ability.
- Take instruction under qualified instructors before participating in such aquatic sports as skin and scuba diving and water-skiing.
- Never swim alone and swim only with a "buddy" who has the ability to help when necessary.
- Swim only in supervised areas.
- Follow rules set up for the particular pool, beach, or waterfront where you are swimming.
- Don't drink alcoholic beverages participating in water recreational activities.
- Don't swim in unfamiliar waters.
- Know your limitations and do not overestimate your ability. Don't find out the hard way.
- Stay out of water when overheated, immediately after eating, and during electrical storms.
- Dive only into known waters of sufficient depth. Never dive into the shallow end of a pool.
- Always check the water for obstacles before diving.
- Always swim a safe distance away from diving boards and platforms.
- Call for help only when you really need it. No horseplay!
- Know how to properly administer artificial resuscitation.
- NEVER allow children to swim alone.
- Never take your eyes off of a child, even for a second, when he or she is in or near any body of water.
- Do not consider your children to be "drown-proofed" because you enrolled them in waterproofing or swimming classes.
- Do not rely on inflatable devices to keep your child afloat. These are not substitutes for adult supervision!
page last modified on: 5/7/2013