1. Wear Brightly Colored Swimsuits
This water safety tip is so crucial! Just like you might dress your kids in neon colors when at an amusement park to more easily spot them in a crowd, the same thinking goes for when swimming. Drowning can occur very quickly and quietly, even to good swimmers.
It’s much easier to see a bright swimsuit or rash guard a few feet under water than it is to see blue, purple, or black, for example. I threw out all of my son’s navy-colored swim gear and only purchased neon orange and green this year.
2. Never Swim Alone
My sister and I grew up with a pool in our backyard, and our parents made it clear that we could never swim without one another or a friend, even as teenagers. Even if we were just going to lie on the chaise lounge and jump in to cool off, we had to have a buddy.
Accidents happen; it’s important to stay with a trusted friend and with a charged phone.
>> RELATED READ :: 10 Water Safety Tips to Prevent Drowning <<
3. Wear a U.S. Coast Guard-Approved Life Jacket
I spent an exorbitant amount of time researching the best life jacket when my son started getting in the pool. Did you know that the U.S. Coast Guard has very detailed requirements, with varying types of life jackets for different water activities?
I wanted his life jacket to buckle in the back, go over his shoulders, and have both chest and arm floats. No matter what your criteria are, confirming that your kid’s life jacket is approved by USCG is a must for safe swimming. Be sure to check the label and/or listing for this feature and “life jacket type.”
4. Stay in Weekly Swim Lessons
There’s no hiding the fact that swim lessons are an expense. But they also save lives.
My husband and I have committed to pay for our son’s swim lessons even if that means we have to cut back in another area. Our son is getting comfortable in the water, socializing with other kids his age, and learning one of life’s most important skills. He is not even three years old, and he will continue with swim lessons for the foreseeable future. We think this is money well spent!
>> RELATED READ :: Guide to Swim Lessons in Collin County <<
5. Keep Up to Date on CPR
You may have taken a CPR class in high school or college for your summer camp or lifeguard job, but that has long expired! I cannot stress enough how important it is for all adults to be trained in CPR.
In the event of an emergency, you will thank yourself for taking that class and improving on a skill. There are several courses available in Collin County, everything from free CPR classes to basic life support, babysitter certification, and more.
6. Learn the Signs of Dry Drowning
The thought of drowning in the water is terrifying enough, but did you know that there’s a secondary threat known as “dry drowning?” While it is very rare, it’s a possibility, so it’s important to know the signs:
- Changes in behavior/irritability
- Chest pain
- Coughing
- Extreme lethargy
- Trouble breathing
Going to the pool, lake, or beach is an enjoyable activity for the whole family, especially as a respite from our summer heat! Being prepared and informed with these simple rules for water safety will ensure a happy and safe summer for all.
