Summer is just around the corner and swimming is a great way to beat that summer heat. But it’s important to know how to be safe while enjoying the water. Drowning is the leading cause of accidental injury and death among American children aged 1 to 4, and can occur in as little as two inches of water.
The Marshall County Emergency Management Agency would like to offer these important swimming safety tips before you head out to the pool or beach.
- Always have adults present when children are in the pool. If you invite other children over to swim, be sure an adult from that household comes along to help be a “water watcher”. The more eyes on the water the better.
- Don’t use flotation devices as a substitute for supervision.
- Even if a lifeguard is present, never assume that he or she will always keep track of your children.
- Empty inflatable or portable pools after each use, then store upside down.
- Have a fence surrounding the pool, at least 5 feet tall, with self-closing and latching gates for permanent above and in-ground pools.
- Keep pool areas free of toys when no one is in the pool. This helps to make the pool less inviting to young children.
- Enroll small children in swimming lessons. Adults who don’t know how to swim should also take lessons.
- Be sure to have a phone handy in case you need to dial 911
- Learn CPR.
If you are going to the beach here are a few additional reminders:
- Before you leave for the beach, check the latest National Weather Service forecast for local beach conditions. Many offices issue a Surf Zone Forecast.
- For maximum safety, swim at a beach that is monitored by lifeguards.
- When you arrive at the beach, ask on-duty lifeguards about rip currents and any other hazards that may be present.
- Swim in an area that is closest to the lifeguard post.
- Obey all instructions and orders from lifeguards.
- Be cautious at all times. Be mindful of rip currents (rip currents are powerful currents of water moving away from shore. They can sweep even the strongest swimmer out to deeper waters).
- Never swim alone.
- If in doubt…don’t go out!!
For additional information on emergency and disaster preparedness, contact the Marshall County Emergency Management agency at 574-936-3740.
