How can you prevent a drowning?
Learn to Swim!
Swimming is a life skill that you’ll never forget and can save you or others.
General Water Safety
- Supervision: Assign a dedicated adult “Water Watcher” to supervise children, even if lifeguards are present.
- Know Your Limits: Enroll in swimming lessons; know how to float, tread water, and exit.
- Life Jackets: Use Coast Guard-approved life jackets for boating or weak swimmers—do not rely on air-filled toys.
- Buddy System: Don’t swim alone, regardless of age.
- Environment: Swim in designated areas and stay out of the water if lightning is possible.
- Rules/Signs: Follow posted rules and warning flags.
- Cold and Ice: Take precautions when entering cold water and stay off ice.
- Alcohol: Avoid alcohol, which impairs judgment and physical ability.
- Diving: Enter water feet-first to avoid injuries from shallow/hidden obstacles.
- Emergencies: Learn CPR.
- Reach or throw don’t go: To assist someone in trouble, reach to them with a pole, broom or stick, or throw something such as a cooler or ball.
Home Pool Safety
- Barriers: Install 4-sided fencing at least 4 feet high with self-closing/latching gates.
- Drain Safety: Ensure pool drains are covered and compliant with safety standards.
- Empty Containers: Immediately empty kiddie pools, buckets, and bathtubs after use.
Open Water Safety (Lakes, Rivers, Oceans)
- Currents: Watch for rip currents and undertow; swim parallel to the shore if caught.
- Conditions: Check weather and water temperature to avoid hypothermia.
- Visibility: Be aware that murky water can hide hazards.