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Safe Swimming Tips Deborah Nelson+ July 19, 2020

Every summer, we read heartbreaking stories about people who die while swimming. Don’t let this happen to you or your loved ones. Here are some important swimming safety tips:

  1. Whenever possible swim in designated areas supervised by lifeguards
  2. NEVER swim alone!
  3. Never leave a young child unattended near water and do not trust a child’s life to another child; teach children to always ask permission to go near water
  4. The American Red Cross reminds us to have young children or inexperienced swimmers wear U.S. Coast Guard-approved life jackets around water, but do not rely on life jackets alone.
  5. Never swim if the conditions are bad (too dark, water too rough, strong current)
  6. Watch out for distances – they look so much shorter on the water.  What looks like a short swim might actually be a long one.  Don’t swim further than you are able.
  7. Watch out for currents – rivers are especially dangerous and you should be very cautious about swimming in them
  8. Don’t swim where people are boating
  9. Use a swim body flotation device too so people can see you!
  10. NEVER dive into water if you can’t see the bottom or don’t know how deep it is
  11. Never swim if you’ve been drinking – it lessens your abilities and judgment
  12. If you aren’t a strong swimmer, take some lessons at your local YMCA or visit the American Red Cross website to find swim lessons near you !

For more helpful information on water safety visit the American Red Cross.