Summer Swim Safety Tips

by | Jun 7, 2012 | Safety, Social Wellness, Wellness Tips & Information

By James Witherspoon

Summer Swim Safety

Summer is upon us once more, and for many of us, that means the swimming pool, the lake, the creek, the river, and the ocean. Swimming is one of the most popular summer activities, and many of us can’t wait to hit the water. Swimming can be safe and fun if proper safety precautions are taken. But if they aren’t taken, you may be setting yourself up for serious injury.

Fortunately, staying safe and having fun are not mutually exclusive. Following a few general safety guidelines is all it takes.

Safety Tips

Serious accidents happen far too often. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), in 2005, over 3,500 people died because of drowning – an average of 10 deaths every day. Additionally, over 700 people died as the result of boating accidents. These numbers highlight the importance of following these safety tips:

  •  Learn to swim properly before taking to the water. Even if you plan on staying on a boat, swimming could be the key to saving your life.
  •  When possible, swim near a lifeguard.
  • Don’t go swimming alone. Following the “buddy system” gives you an extra layer of protection in case something goes wrong.
  •  Don’t dive into water you don’t know. Many drowning occur because the swimmer dives head-first onto a submerged rock or the ocean- or river bottom. Make sure you carefully check the depth before diving.
  • Watch for safety warnings near where you are swimming. Many beaches and rivers have warnings posted warning swimmers of potential dangers. Riptides, flash floods, and shallow beds are all potential hazards the dangerous effects of which could be prevented through carefully reading safety warnings.
  • If you’re swimming with children, supervise them carefully. Children often lack the strength, coordination, swimming ability, and foresight of adults. According to the CDC, children under the age of 14 are far more likely to die in pools than anywhere else. These circumstances underscore the dangers faced by unsupervised children.
  •  Don’t mix alcohol and swimming. Even though drinking beer and sunbathing can be fun, it’s a dangerous mix.
  •  When swimming at the beach, don’t swim out from shore if you want to swim long distances. Instead, swim parallel to the shore.

Following these tips can help protect you when you go swimming. To learn more about safety and personal injury topics, please visit the website of the Oklahoma personal injury attorneys of the Abel Law Firm.

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Health promotion and empowerment company Manifest Excellence®, LLC  supports people with optimizing personal wellness by addressing the five key areas that impact health. They combine over 20 years traditional medical experience with a comprehensive & holistic wellness philosophy to provide innovative and effective wellness strategies. They enthusiastically teach a comprehensive approach to health and wellness that addresses mental, emotional, social, spiritual and physical well-being.

 

 

Donna Hamilton, MD, MS, FAAP
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