Keep Your Family Safe at the Beach with these Swimming Safety Tips
Summer on Cape Cod attracts swimmers looking to beat the heat.
While swimming is great exercise and fun for all ages, safety must be a priority. Swimming injuries, drowning and deaths can be
prevented by following simple safety rules. By following these rules, you can make sure
that a day at the beach is safe and fun.
Read and obey signs – Be aware of water
conditions and rip tides.
Pool Safety - Walk, do not run and be careful getting in and out of the pools. Slip and falls can cause serious injury.
Look before you leap or dive in - Diving
head first can cause serious injury. Always check for rocks and depth before
diving by entering slowly and feet first.
Do not go beyond your abilities - Swim
only where you feel comfortable. Swim parallel to the shore, and stay inside
roped-off areas.
Never swim alone – When no lifeguard is
present, always use the "buddy system".
Play carefully - Wrestling and tumbling
while swimming can be very dangerous.
Stay hydrated - Drink plenty of water
regularly, even if you’re not thirsty. Avoid drinks with alcohol or caffeine in
them.
Never leave your child alone - If a child is missing, check the water first. Seconds count in preventing death or disability. A child
can drown in just a few minutes and in a few centimeters of water. Young
children need constant supervision by an adult when they are in or near the
water. Beaches have so many hidden dangers, such as underwater logs, sudden
drop offs, or tidal currents. Stay with your children. Obey any posted warnings
about currents or dangerous areas, and ask other people if they know of any
trouble spots in the area.
Never let children play in hot tubs - The
hot water can quickly affect a child's small body.
Use sunscreen - Protect your skin. Limit the amount of direct sunlight you receive between 10:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. and wear waterproof sunscreen with a protection factor of at least 15. Check expiration dates and apply sunscreen often.
Life Jackets - Children should always
wear a life jacket when they are swimming or in a boat. Check the label to make
sure that your child's life jacket is government approved and that it is the
right size for your child's weight.
