As the weather gets hotter, the risk of drowning increases exponentially. Stay SAFE this summer with the following tips:
• Stick to swimming where you know you can handle it safely. Swim in places with lifeguards when possible.
• Always have an adult watching any children who are swimming. Adults should watch children without any distractions like reading, texting, talking on the phone, or drinking alcohol.
• Do not dive or jump into water less than 12 feet deep, whether it’s a natural body of water or a pool. Doing this can lead to injuries and drowning.
• Always swim with a buddy. Swim buddies should keep each other from wandering off alone. Remember to walk, not run, around pools.
• Do not horseplay around a pool, like lifting, dunking, and tossing in water. Someone can get hurt.
• Be mindful of weather conditions like thunderstorms. If you hear thunder or see lightning, exit the water immediately.
• Have a checklist of nearby ponds, lakes, and pools to search if a child wanders.