Every summer, we read heartbreaking stories about people who die while swimming. Don’t let this happen to you or your loved ones. Here are some important swimming safety tips:
- Whenever possible swim in designated areas supervised by lifeguards
- NEVER swim alone!
- Never leave a young child unattended near water and do not trust a child’s life to another child; teach children to always ask permission to go near water
- The American Red Cross reminds us to have young children or inexperienced swimmers wear U.S. Coast Guard-approved life jackets around water, but do not rely on life jackets alone.
- Never swim if the conditions are bad (too dark, water too rough, strong current)
- Watch out for distances – they look so much shorter on the water. What looks like a short swim might actually be a long one. Don’t swim further than you are able.
- Watch out for currents – rivers are especially dangerous and you should be very cautious about swimming in them
- Don’t swim where people are boating
- Use a swim body flotation device too so people can see you!
- NEVER dive into water if you can’t see the bottom or don’t know how deep it is
- Never swim if you’ve been drinking – it lessens your abilities and judgment
- If you aren’t a strong swimmer, take some lessons at your local YMCA or visit the American Red Cross website to find swim lessons near you !
For more helpful information on water safety visit the American Red Cross.
