National Water Safety Month

May is National Water Safety Month, a time dedicated to raising awareness about the importance of water safety and drowning prevention.

While water activities can be a fun and enjoyable way to spend time with loved ones, they can also be dangerous if proper precautions are not taken. In fact, drowning is the second leading cause of accidental death among children ages 1 to 14.

We have compiled a comprehensive list of tips to keep you safe around water.

Water Safety Tips

Water safety tips are essential in preventing accidents and injuries around water bodies. Whether swimming, boating, or just lounging next to a pool, it’s important to know some basics to stay safe around water. Here are some of the most critical tips to follow:

national water safety month - learn to swim1. Learn to swim

It is essential to have swim skills if you’re around water, whether in a pool or a natural body of water. These swim skills include treading water, floating, and basic swim strokes.

Knowing how to swim decreases the chance of drowning, so consider investing in swim lessons for you and your family.

 

national water safety month - life jacket2. Wear a life jacket

If you’re not a competent swimmer, it’s essential to wear a life jacket when in or near water. They provide buoyancy, keeping you afloat even if you’re tired or injured. Make sure the life jacket you wear is appropriate for the activity you’re doing.

 

national water safety month - supervise children3. Supervise children

Children should always be supervised when around water, regardless of their swimming ability. They should never be left alone in the water or near it, whether it’s a bathtub, swimming pool, or natural body of water.

 

4. Use caution in natural bodies of water

Natural bodies of water such as lakes, rivers, and oceans can be unpredictable. They can have hidden currents, rocks, and other hazards that can make swimming more dangerous. Always follow local rules and signage around natural bodies of water and swim in designated areas.

 

national water safety month - pool and hot tub rules5. Follow pool/hot tub rules

Following pool or hot tub rules can help keep you and others safe, whether it’s about diving, running, or overcrowding.

Always follow pool rules, including no running, no diving in shallow ends, and no diving in areas with no visibility.

 

national water safety month - wounds/infections6. Don’t go for a dip if you have open wounds/infections

Open wounds, cuts, or infections are susceptible to bacteria in the water. To avoid getting an infection, don’t enter the water until your cut has healed.

 

national water safety month - no drinking7. Don’t drink alcohol before and during water activities

Alcohol impairs your judgment, balance, and coordination, which can increase the risk of accidents and drowning.

 

national water safety month - cpr8. Know how to perform CPR

In the event of an emergency, knowing CPR can save someone’s life. Taking a CPR class can be valuable and increase the confidence of everyone around the water.

 

national water safety month - buddy system9. Use the buddy system

When swimming, always use the buddy system. It’s simple: always swim with a partner or near someone who can quickly assist if needed.

 

national water safety month - sun safety umbrella10. Practice sun safety

When around water, people often forget about the risk of exposure to UV rays. Always wear sunscreen and protective clothing when in or near water.

 

Educating Others about National Water Safety Month

Water safety is a crucial topic that should not be taken lightly, especially when it comes to children and non-swimmers. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), drowning is the leading cause of unintentional injury-related deaths among children aged 1-4 years. This statistic highlights just how important it is to educate others about water safety and precautions that should be taken when in or around water.

One of the best ways to spread awareness about water safety is to take advantage of National Water Safety Month, which is held every May. American Red Cross and the Pool and Hot Tub Alliance are both reputable organizations that provide resources and information about water safety. The International Swimming Hall of Fame has an online water safety program available, as well!

All of their websites are packed with useful information to help people stay safe in and around the water. From safety tips for different age groups to proper rescue techniques, these organizations offer a wealth of knowledge to help prevent water-related accidents.

As a responsible adult or caregiver, it is crucial to educate children on water safety skills. With the help of resources and education, we can contribute towards making our communities safer and ensuring that lives are not lost to water-related incidents.

Looking for fun ways to educate children about water safety?

 

Conclusion

As we celebrate National Water Safety Month, it is important to remember that water activities can pose risks if proper safety measures are not followed. Whether you are using your hot tub for relaxation or therapy, it is essential that you prioritize safety to prevent accidents.

By following these general water safety tips, you can help yourself and others stay safe and enjoy water activities to the fullest. Remember: being safe in and around water is critical, so make it a priority to learn and follow water safety rules.

If you are interested in learning more about hot tub specific safety tips, we’ve curated a separate list of important safety precautions!