Swimming Safety Tips

Swimming is a great recreational sport that can be enjoyed by people of all ages.  But it is important to know how to be safe while you’re in and out of the water.  Swimming to cool off in the hot weather is a favorite holiday activity.

Keep these tips in mind to keep everyone safe at the beach, lake, pool or while boating:

• Wear sunscreen and reapply often.
• Keep a first aid kit nearby.
• Stay hydrated, drink plenty of water regularly.
• Maintain constant supervision, avoid distractions.
• Monitor local weather conditions.
• Young children and inexperienced swimmers should wear a life jacket when near or in the water.
• Never dive headfirst, especially at the beach or lake.
• Never leave children unattended near water.

Any beach with breaking waves may have rip currents which cause deaths every year.

Alert swimmers to these tips for the beach: 

• Stay at least 100 feet away from piers and jetties.
• If caught in a rip current, swim parallel to the shore, or float or tread water until out of the current, then swim toward the shore.
• Enroll in Red Cross home pool safety, water safety, first aid, and CPR/AED courses to learn how to prevent and respond to emergencies.