Millions of people look forward to water sports and activities during summer, whether at a local beach, river, lake, or backyard swimming pool. The most important thing you can do for you family, in terms of water safety, is to make sure everyone in the family, no matter how young or old, knows how to swim. Drowning most often happens quickly and silently—depictions in the media of people splashing and yelling when they are in trouble in the water are largely inaccurate.
Following are tips by your trusted California health insurance agent to help your family have a safe, fun summer in the water:
- Use the buddy system. Always swim with at least one other person, even at a public pool or lifeguarded beach.
- Never leave kids unattended in/near water.
- Always wear a life jacket when boating. You can easily be thrown from a boat while in motion, and most boating-related deaths are caused by drowning1.
- Have an emergency plan in place, learn CPR, and take a pool/water safety course.
- Keep rescue equipment at the poolside.
- Install a locked gate around the pool, or equip doors that lead to a pool with locks and alarms.
- Put a supervisor in charge of watching kids near/in the water at all times.
- Avoid alcohol altogether, which impairs judgment and coordination, and reduces the body’s ability to stay warm.
- For those with above-ground pools, remove any ladders and secure safety covers when the pool isn’t being used.
By taking these and other measures, you’ll help ensure you and your family are safe, and that you all have great summertime fun.
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