It’s summer! Which means it’s time to bust out the goggles, inflatable rafts and water wings for some fun pool time. But before you dive off the diving board or jump out of the boat, remember to keep safety in mind. According to the CDC, there are about 3,500 fatal unintentional drownings per year, in addition to another 330 boat-related drownings annually. Follow these tips to make your beach or pool time a little safer this summer:
- Never swim alone. This may seem obvious, but swimming alone means you have no one to help if something should happen to you and you’re unable to get yourself out of the water. Always use the buddy system when swimming.
- Maintain constant supervision of children. Of the 3,500 fatal unintentional drownings each year, about one in five involves a child 14 years old or younger. Keep a close eye on children and enroll them in age-appropriate swimming instruction if possible. If a child does go missing, always check the water first, where seconds matter most.
- Use sunscreen. Overexposure to sunlight increases your risk of sunburn and developing certain skin cancers. Apply sunscreen often, and reapply every few hours, especially if you’re getting in and out of the water.
- Use life jackets. If you or someone with you is not a strong swimmer, use a life jacket to help them stay afloat should they fall into the water, especially when boating.
- Drink plenty of water. You may not feel thirsty when swimming, but your body still needs to stay hydrated. Avoid caffeinated and alcoholic drinks.
Original source can be found here.
Alerts Sign-up