As summer approaches and outdoor pools open, here are some tips to help swimmers, as experts say, “use water wisely.”
The American Red Cross in Colorado and Wyoming say it's important for people to take precautions.
“It's important that every family learns and reviews important water safety skills before heading out to the pool or park,” said Gino Greco, the organization's CEO. “Knowing Red Cross basic water safety skills will prepare you for fun outings in and around the water and can help save a life.”
The organization estimates that “formal water safety and swimming lessons can reduce the risk of drowning among children ages 1 to 4 by 88 percent.”
With more than 2.5 million people participating in the organization's programs, the Red Cross is committed to providing the best science-based curriculum and practices for safe swimming.
“Through this work, over the past century, the Red Cross has helped reduce accidental drownings nationwide by approximately 90 percent,” the organization said.
National Water Safety Month
The city of Inglewood is also focusing on ensuring swimmer safety.
The city's swim team provided many of the tips in its promotion of National Water Safety Month in May, a month-long awareness initiative that began in May 2007, according to the city's website.
“Drowning is the leading cause of death among children ages 1-4, surpassing traffic accidents, birth defects and cancer,” the city said. “Drowning is also the second leading cause of unintentional death among children ages 4-14 and the third leading cause of unintentional death among adolescents ages 15-17. Drowning is the third leading cause of unintentional death worldwide.”
Swimming Safety Tips
In continuing efforts to prevent drowning and other hazards, the City of Englewood and the American Red Cross offer the following tips:
Do not swim alone.
Appoint “water lifeguards” to keep a close eye on children and non-swimmers.
When around water, be sure to wear a properly fitted U.S. Coast Guard-approved life jacket, but don't rely solely on it.
If an emergency occurs, reach out or throw an object to tell the person in need to grab hold of it. Do not go inside.
Learn to swim.
Never leave a child alone.
Please read all posted signs.
Look for the lifeguards.
Do not drink alcohol.
Do not drink the pool water.
Please avoid using swim rings in the water.
Please pay attention to the weather.
Use sunscreen.
Use plastic swim diapers.
“We encourage families to develop safe water habits, learn how to swim and know how to respond to emergencies,” said Connie Harvey, director of the American Red Cross Swimming Centennial Campaign and Survival Programs. “Our swim training providers offer swim education and classes for both children and adults. We also encourage them to learn first aid and CPR so they know what to do until help arrives.”
The organization recently revamped its “Whale Tales for Children” swim safety program, which is free and designed to help kids in kindergarten through fifth grade “learn important swimming safety behaviors even when they're not in or near the water.”
“Whale Tales are short, engaging and age-appropriate lessons that cover important water safety topics in a variety of environments, including pools, water parks, oceans, lakes and rivers,” the organization said.
Lessons, course presentations and other resources are available at bit.ly/WHALE-swimmingFor more information on how to teach your child, bit.ly/SafeSwimmingTips.
