Water safety tips
By
Donnie Barrera-
Highland County is fortunate to have two state parks and lakes in this County and several swimming pools.
Summer is upon us and children and families will be out enjoying the water this summer. Hopefully, we will have a safe and enjoyable summertime around the water.
Here are some general water safety tips: Learn to swim! Look for local swim clubs that provide swimming lessons. Read and obey all safety signs posted.
Children or inexperienced swimmers should always wear a life jacket approved by the U.S. Coast Guard.
Watch out for the dangerous “too’s:" too tired, too cold, too far from safety, too much sun, or too much strenuous activity.
Be knowledgeable of the water environment you are in and its potential hazards, such as deep and shallow areas, currents, obstructions and be aware where the entry and exit points are located. The more informed you are, the more aware you will be of hazards and safe practices.
Pay attention to the weather conditions. Stop swimming at the first sign of bad weather approaching. Use feet first entry into water. Use head first only when area is clearly marked for diving and no obstructions. Do not mix alcohol with swimming, diving, or boating. Alcohol impairs your judgment, balance, and coordination, affects your swimming and diving skills, and reduces your body’s ability to stay warm.
Home Pools: Learn to swim. Never swim alone! Post and teach pool rules.
Never leave children unobserved around water. Your eyes should be on children all the time. Adult supervision is recommended. Keep a phone or cordless phone nearby so that 911 can be called in a emergency. Learn CPR. Enclose your pool with a fence with a self-locking gate. Openings in the fence should be no more than four inches wide.
The house should not be part of the barrier. Always keeps lifesaving equipment by the pool and know how to use it. Pole, rope, and personal floatation device (PDFs) are recommended. Keep toys away from pool when not in use. Toys can attract young children to the pool. Pool covers should always be removed prior to pool use.
If a child is missing, check the pool first. Go to the edge of the pool and scan the entire pool area, bottom, and surface, as well as surrounding area. Don’t rely on substitutes. The use of floatation devices and inflatable toys cannot replace parental supervision. Such devices could switch positions, lose air, or slip out from the child, leaving the child in a dangerous situation. Take a course in CPR and have emergency phone numbers and a phone close by. Never allow children or adults to dive or jump in towards the side of the pool. Avoid rough-housing.
Lakes and Rivers: Select a area that has good water quality and safe natural conditions. Murky water, hidden underwater objects, unexpected drop-offs, and aquatic plant life are hazards. Water pollution can cause health problems for swimmers. Make sure water is deep enough before entering head first into water that is too shallow. A feet first entry is much safer than diving. Be sure rafts, docks are in good condition. Always look before jumping from a dock or raft to be sure no one is in the way. Always swim in designated swimming areas.
Protect your skin: Sunlight contains two kinds of UV rays — UVA increases the risk of skin cancer, skin aging, and other skin diseases. UVB causes sunburn and can lead to skin cancer. Limit the amount of direct sunlight you receive between 10:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. and wear sunscreen with a sun protection containing a high rating such as 15. Drink plenty of water as your body needs water to stay cool. Avoid drinks with alcohol or caffeine in them. They can make you feel good briefly, but make the heats effects on your body worse. This is especially true with beer, which dehydrates the body
Let’s make safety a top priority this summer. Have an enjoyable time with family and friends.
This article is the opinion of Highland County resident Donnie Barrera, who works at the Highland County Sheriff Office, and is not necessarily all-inclusive as to all swimming safety tips.
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Summer is upon us and children and families will be out enjoying the water this summer. Hopefully, we will have a safe and enjoyable summertime around the water.
Here are some general water safety tips: Learn to swim! Look for local swim clubs that provide swimming lessons. Read and obey all safety signs posted.
Children or inexperienced swimmers should always wear a life jacket approved by the U.S. Coast Guard.
Watch out for the dangerous “too’s:" too tired, too cold, too far from safety, too much sun, or too much strenuous activity.
Be knowledgeable of the water environment you are in and its potential hazards, such as deep and shallow areas, currents, obstructions and be aware where the entry and exit points are located. The more informed you are, the more aware you will be of hazards and safe practices.
Pay attention to the weather conditions. Stop swimming at the first sign of bad weather approaching. Use feet first entry into water. Use head first only when area is clearly marked for diving and no obstructions. Do not mix alcohol with swimming, diving, or boating. Alcohol impairs your judgment, balance, and coordination, affects your swimming and diving skills, and reduces your body’s ability to stay warm.
Home Pools: Learn to swim. Never swim alone! Post and teach pool rules.
Never leave children unobserved around water. Your eyes should be on children all the time. Adult supervision is recommended. Keep a phone or cordless phone nearby so that 911 can be called in a emergency. Learn CPR. Enclose your pool with a fence with a self-locking gate. Openings in the fence should be no more than four inches wide.
The house should not be part of the barrier. Always keeps lifesaving equipment by the pool and know how to use it. Pole, rope, and personal floatation device (PDFs) are recommended. Keep toys away from pool when not in use. Toys can attract young children to the pool. Pool covers should always be removed prior to pool use.
If a child is missing, check the pool first. Go to the edge of the pool and scan the entire pool area, bottom, and surface, as well as surrounding area. Don’t rely on substitutes. The use of floatation devices and inflatable toys cannot replace parental supervision. Such devices could switch positions, lose air, or slip out from the child, leaving the child in a dangerous situation. Take a course in CPR and have emergency phone numbers and a phone close by. Never allow children or adults to dive or jump in towards the side of the pool. Avoid rough-housing.
Lakes and Rivers: Select a area that has good water quality and safe natural conditions. Murky water, hidden underwater objects, unexpected drop-offs, and aquatic plant life are hazards. Water pollution can cause health problems for swimmers. Make sure water is deep enough before entering head first into water that is too shallow. A feet first entry is much safer than diving. Be sure rafts, docks are in good condition. Always look before jumping from a dock or raft to be sure no one is in the way. Always swim in designated swimming areas.
Protect your skin: Sunlight contains two kinds of UV rays — UVA increases the risk of skin cancer, skin aging, and other skin diseases. UVB causes sunburn and can lead to skin cancer. Limit the amount of direct sunlight you receive between 10:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. and wear sunscreen with a sun protection containing a high rating such as 15. Drink plenty of water as your body needs water to stay cool. Avoid drinks with alcohol or caffeine in them. They can make you feel good briefly, but make the heats effects on your body worse. This is especially true with beer, which dehydrates the body
Let’s make safety a top priority this summer. Have an enjoyable time with family and friends.
This article is the opinion of Highland County resident Donnie Barrera, who works at the Highland County Sheriff Office, and is not necessarily all-inclusive as to all swimming safety tips.
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