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STAY ALERT: Water safety tips for your family
Many of us spend warm weather months near, on or in the water. With our average temperature in 70s until December, we who live the Gulf Coast – and those who visit us – are far from done with warm-weather fun, even as the new school year approaches. But while we're splashing, it is important to remember to be cautious.
From the Florida Panhandle to Mississippi, seven people have drowned at the beach through June 27, according to the National Weather Service. Drowning is a leading cause of death in young children. The National Safety Council estimates that about 19 children drowned over the July Fourth holiday.
So whether at the beach house, lake house, river house or the pool behind your house, keep these tips in mind to stay safe in the water.
General Recommendations
It stands to reason that the best way to prevent drowning is to learn how to swim. For children ages one- to four-years-old, formal swim lessons can reduced the risk of drowning by 88 percent, according to the Education Development Center. Of course, swimming in the ocean is different than swimming the pool, but for children and adults alike, learning how to jump into water over their head and return to the surface, turn around in water and orient themselves, float or tread water and exit water safely will go a long way to reducing safety concerns. A few other recommendations regardless of the type of water are:
- Always swim in pairs, and for children, designate an adult to watch them at all times without distractions. Never leave a child unattended.
- Stay within designated swimming areas for the appropriate age/skill level.
- Never drink alcohol around water.
- Learn CPR.
At the Pool
Remember that floaties and pool noodles are not permanently attached. If someone can't stay above water without them, they need to stay in a place they can touch the bottom of the pool. Here are a few other tips.
- Ensure your pool or any pool you visit has properly functioning grates and drains. Avoid them even if they seem to be functioning properly.
- Safe Kids Worldwide recommends installing a pool fence around all sides of your pool that is at least four feet tall and has gates that are self-latching and self-closing.
At the Beach
Each of the drownings along the coast this year has been the result of rip currents. These strong flows draw water – and anything caught in it – offshore sometimes at speeds faster than Olympic swimmers. Generally, rip currents do not have many waves, which makes people gravitate to the area only to be pulled out into the Gulf. The best thing to do if you are stuck in a rip current is not to fight it, float and/or swim parallel to the shore until you are out of the current. Then try swimming back to land. If you do not think you are able, draw attention to yourself so someone will send help. If you see someone else caught in a rip current, the Red Cross recommends not attempting a rescue yourself. Get a lifeguard, call 9-1-1 and throw something that will float into the current, like a life jacket, cooler or floatie, in hopes it will reach the person and then yell instructions on how to get out. Don't take the flags at the beach lightly. They are meant to alert visitors to risky currents and wildlife.
At the River or Lake
When you think of dangerous currents, you probably only think of the Gulf, but remember rivers and lakes have undertows, too. They also have rocks and other obstacles that can trip you up and send you into a current unexpectedly. Don't try to stand up if you find yourself in fast-moving water. Float on your back with legs floating downstream and toes pointing toward the surface, according to the U.S. Forest Service. Also, be sure to always where a life vests that meet the U.S. Coast Guard requirements while boating.
Stay safe! Have fun!
