☼As the summer approaches, water
activities are a great way to cool off!
☼Knowing what to do in a water
emergency can help protect you and
your family from serious or fatal
accidents.
☼In the U.S., 4,000 deaths are
caused by drowning with children
ages 0-4 having the highest death
rate.
Water Awareness
American Red Cross
Swimming Safety ☼ALWAYS make sure all family
members know how to swim.
Knowing how to swim DOES
NOT prevent drowning!
☼Enroll children in learn-to-
swim programs.
☼Swim in lifeguard supervised
areas.
☼If there is no lifeguard
available, adults should
supervise children at all times!
Never leave them alone.
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☼Obey all posted rules.
☼Be aware of all depth changes within the pool.
☼Establish swimming rules for the family based
on swimming abilities.
☼Watch out for the Too’s:
☼too cold
☼too tired
☼too far from safety
☼too much sun
☼too much strenuous activity
Swimming Safety Cont.
American Red Cross
Boating Safety
☼Use Coast Guard approved life
jackets.
☼Do not consume alcohol while
operating a boat. 50% of
drowning cases caused by
boating accidents involve
alcohol.
☼Develop a float plan. Let
someone on shore know where
you are going and how long you
will be.
☼Take a boating course.
American Red Cross
Lakes & Rivers Safety ☼Select an area that is clean and well maintained
☼Select an area that has good water quality and a safe natural environment.
☼Be cautious in murky water. Underlying objects, sudden drop offs, and plant life can be hazardous.
☼Check the area before jumping head first.
☼Wearing a type of water shoe will prevent injuries from sharp or slippery rocks, broken glass and other hazardous materials.
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Water Park Safety
☼Make sure the area is well
supervised with lifeguards.
☼Slide correctly- face up and
feet first.
☼Notice the water depth
change from one attraction
to another.
☼Children who cannot swim
should wear Coast Guard
approved life jackets.
American Red Cross
Water Emergencies ▶Check the scene to make sure it is safe for you.
▶Assist the distressed swimmer by reaching an
object to them such as a towel, paddle, or tree
branch. Always keep something between you
and the victim.
▶If the water is shallow enough (lower than chest
level) you may attempt a wading rescue.
▶Call 9-1-1 if the victim is unconscious and start
rescue breathing and/or CPR if trained.
▶Only attempt a water rescue if you have the
proper equipment and are trained.
American Red Cross
