Swim Safety First

When temperatures dial up, swimming, sunshine, and summertime become an unbeatable trio for seasonal fun. Splashing in water on a hot day can make everlasting memories. Make sure those memories are positive by practicing basic water safety.

Water environments pose hidden dangers, but even seemingly innocuous waterplay, such as portable kiddie pools and even a bucket of water merit attention. The American Red Cross organizes water competency into three categories: 1) water smarts, 2) swimming skills, and 3) helping others.

Water Smarts

On a sweltering day, a refreshing dip becomes an aquatic paradise. To fully enjoy this sparkling oasis, common sense precautions are essential.

Know the environment. Ocean undertows or rip currents can quickly pull a swimmer hundreds of feet from shore. A river’s deceptively slow surface disguises a powerful flow that can sweep someone into rocks or waterfalls downstream. Swimming holes often have submerged obstacles or shallow areas. Adjust swimming behavior accordingly.

Heed personal limitations. Physical fitness levels and medical conditions should be respected. A swim across a lake or even a raft can quickly become dangerous if one’s stamina gives out far from shore.

Assess the situation. Water is a dynamic element, making spots that are perfectly safe on one day, dangerous on another. Check the temperature, as jumping into frigid water risks “cold shock.” Murky water can hide new obstacles and aquatic plant growth increases underwater entanglements.

Don’t go solo. Having lifeguards or other swimmers present can make a life or death difference.

Stay sober. Swimming with impaired judgement is a high-risk combination. This includes medications, alcohol and THC products.

Say yes to a life vest. Activities like boating, skiing, tubing, kayaking or stand-up paddleboarding, always merit wearing a U.S. Coast Guard certified life vest.

Swimming Skills

Water competency depends on mastering the fundamentals and the Red Cross outlines five must-have swimming skills. Know how to:

• Enter water that’s deeper than one’s personal height, then return to the surface.
• Float or tread water for at least one minute.
• Turn over and turn around in the water.
• Swim at least 25 yards.
• Exit the water.

Helping Others

Swimming is a shared experience. A little awareness of others helps keep everyone happy and splashing.

Supervise children. Even with a personal flotation device, children and weak swimmers must be monitored with full attention.

Understand blackout risks. Taking a series of short breaths before to hold the breath longer underwater risks hyperventilating and a blackout.

Drowning protocol. The Red Cross encourages people to recognize the signs of drowning and how to respond safely.