7 Safe Swimming Tips This Summer
Swimming is a fantastic way to stay fit and have fun during hot summer months however, water can pose significant risks if proper safety measures are not taken.
It’s important to be aware of your surroundings as well as having proper swim skills while enjoying the water.
Read on for seven essential swim safety tips to ensure a safe and enjoyable swimming experience for everyone during your many trips to the pool, beach, and lake this summer.
In This Article
Supervise Your Children Non-stop
Learn To Swim Properly
Follow Pool And Beach Rules
Never Swim Alone
Learn CPR And First Aid
Be Aware of Your Surroundings
Do Not Rely On Safety Gear
Bottom Line
Supervise Your Children Non-Stop
Young children should never be left unattended near water regardless if they know how to swim. There are too many factors around them and outside their swim skills that can go wrong.
According to the CDC drowning is the leading cause of death among children under four and drowning increased by 28% in the same age group in the latest census (2022) compared to 2019.
Ensure constant, focused supervision, even if lifeguards are present. Drowning can happen quickly and quietly, so avoid distractions. It only takes one inch of water for drowning to occur.
Learn To Swim Properly
Swimming is a life-saving skill and basic swimming and water safety skills training are proven and effective ways to prevent drowning.
According to the CDC, 40 million Americans do not know how to swim. Lack of access to swimming lessons plays a crucial role in this tragic deficiency. Everyone should have an opportunity to basic swimming and water safety skills training.
I grew up in Sweden where swim lessons are a mandatory part of public education. When I moved to the United States I was shocked to learn how many adults do not know how to swim. But even if you know how to swim, improving your skills will increase water safety.
If possible enroll yourself and your children in swimming lessons taught by qualified instructors.
Follow pool and Beach Rules
Adhere to all posted rules and warning signs at pools and beaches. They are there for a reason. Swim in designated areas and follow the guidance of lifeguards.
Rip currents are especially dangerous to swimmers in shallow waters with breaking waves. They are the cause of over 80% of rescues at beaches. Rip currents flow at a speed much faster than the best swimmers. They are difficult to identify and the worst events can occur during otherwise good weather conditions.
Always swim parallel to the beach to remove yourself from the current areas and then swim toward shore.
Never Swim Alone
If you are not a strong swimmer, try to bring a friend or family member. At the very least let someone know you are headed to the pool or beach alone.
Even with a lifeguard on duty, they have a lot on their minds and might not catch every situation. Having someone with you can help in case of an emergency, be it small or large.
It’s easy to cramp up in a pool, get bit by something in a lake, hit your head while diving, or have a panic attack in high waves. There are so many scenarios where something can go wrong in the water and no one is near to help you.
Learn CPR and First Aid
Knowing how to respond in an emergency is crucial. Take courses in first aid and CPR so you can provide assistance until professional help arrives.
Remember, water safety is everyone’s responsibility. The American Red Cross offers free online swim safety courses. If you are not able to afford nor have access to CPR and First Aid training, YouTube has great resources where you can learn the basics. This is a great video that teaches you basic life support (BLS).
Be Aware of Your Surroundings
Being aware of your surroundings means more than just registering the physical environment. It involves a conscious acknowledgment and appreciation of where you are, what you’re doing, and who you’re with.
Being under the influence is an obvious reason for not being fully aware of your surroundings, which poses a danger, especially near water. They say don’t drink and drive, but also remember don’t drink and swim.
When you are supervising children stay focused and avoid distractions such as electronic devices, reading, or engaging in activities that may divert your attention from the water.
Be aware of other swimmers, their behavior and their skills. Watch the weather, rules, extreme heat, your hydration, and your general state. If you are tired, hungry, or sunburnt, it’s probably best to call it a day and head home.
Do Not Rely on Safety Gear
Kids love fun character-themed floaties, pool noodles, and inflatables. They look cute on your kids and who doesn’t love to float on a giant flamingo?
But floatation devices are a false sense of security. They are dangerous and your child cannot get out of them easily. It limits their control over their body in the water. Something can go wrong very quickly.
They also aren’t a replacement for supervision. They hinder proper swim development, interfere with sensory-motor learning and they create bad habits.
In my swim lessons, the only swim gear I use is a kickboard and my students may absolutely not hang or sit on it, only place their hands on it while learning proper kick technique.
If you put safety gear on your child make sure they wear well-fitting, U.S. Coast Guard-approved life jackets when they are near or in lakes, streams or the ocean.
Kids who can’t swim or don’t swim well should also wear them at the pool, however, they should then be watched constantly. And always use life jackets on boats, canoes, and kayaks.
Bottom Line
By following swim safety tips, you can enjoy the many benefits of swimming while minimizing the risks.
Remember, water safety is everyone’s responsibility. Whether you’re at a pool, beach, or lake, always be mindful of your surroundings and prepared for any situation. Let’s make every swim a safe swim!