Water Safety: Swimming And Boating

A dip in a pool, lake or ocean sounds tempting on a hot summer day. However, it’s important that you are aware of how to be safe both in and around the water. Did you know thousands of Americans are seriously injured or even killed yearly from both swimming and boating accidents? By following these simple water safety tips, you're not only able to protect your family but yourself as well this summer.

Splashing around in the water is just plain fun. However, not taking the proper safety precautions can lead to tragedy.

From 2005 to 2014, there were about 10 non-boat-related drownings a day in the United States, according to the CDC. Another 332 people die each year from boat-related drownings. According to the American Heart Association, giving rescue breaths in addition to chest compressions is especially important during CPR in cases of drowning.

About 20% of people who die from drowning are children under 15. For every child who dies from drowning, another five are treated in the emergency room for nonfatal underwater injuries.

Familiarity with the water depth is crucially important as well, he added, noting that every year, health care professionals see diving accidents, resulting in spinal cord injuries, typically among teenagers.

Swimming Safety Tips

Before you go swim in a pool, lake or ocean with your family, review these 10 water safety tips:

1. Keep a close eye on the kids, even if there's a lifeguard present.
2. Have a nearby telephone in case of emergency situation arises.
3. Encourage the buddy system.
4. Take in swimming, diving and water safety classes that provide skills that allow for safe, fun times.
5. Make sure everyone knows the safety measures and rules upon entering the pool.
6. Be within an arm’s length, providing constant “touch supervision”, when infants or toddlers are in or around water.
7. Never assume your child can swim on their own. Many may forget, especially when in a stressful situation.
8. Never keep hazards on pool deck that could cause tripping or other injuries (pool toys, personal items, etc.).
9. Never swim or dive under the influence of drugs and/or alcohol.
10. Never stay in the water during storms or severe weather.
11. Never leave children alone or in the care of another child while in or near bathtubs, pools, spas, or other open water.
12. Never engage in distracting activities while supervising children that are swimming.

Boating Safety Tips

Before you go out on a boat in your favorite lake, review these 10 boating safety tips:

1. Check your weather and water conditions prior to leaving the shore.
2. Follow procedures that come with the boat.
3. Make sure to have visual distress devices on board (flares, distress flags, lights, whistles, etc.).
4. Inform someone when and where you'll be boating.
5. Encourage the use of life jackets while on board.
6. Never drink while boating.
7. Never carry above the maximum number or weight of passengers listed on your boat.
8. Never dive into unknown bodies of water due to possible shallow bottoms, hidden rocks, etc.
9. Never swim during any type of storms or severe weather.
10. Never swim alone.

CPR

Cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) is a key skill everyone should learn. If an emergency situation arises, you save a life by knowing this crucial skill. Bystanders are the first to aid a drowning victim. Your knowledge of CPR can reduce the severity of injuries, improve chances of survival and even save lives. Learn how to do hands-only CPR.

HealthDay News contributed information to this article.