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American Red Cross Lifesaving Water Safety Tips

Summer is a wonderful time of year when Evansville area families look forward to outdoor activities at the pool or lake. Yet accidents can happen if families do not take appropriate steps to stay safe. The good news is that most water tragedies can be prevented, if everyone remembers the basic rules of water safety.

Learn to swim and swim well. One of the best things anyone can do to stay safe in and around the water is learn to swim. No one, including adults, should ever swim alone. Adults should practice “reach supervision” which means to be within arm’s length of a child in case an emergency occurs.

Outfit everyone with the proper gear. Kids- and even adults- who are not strong swimmers or who appear to rely on inflatable toys for safety should use U.S. Coast Guard approved personal flotation devices whenever they are in or around the water. This lightweight plastic equipment when used properly can help save lives. A good idea is to make a family day out of learning the rules of water safety and shopping for durable safety equipment together at a local pool supply store or mass distributor.

Always keep basic lifesaving equipment by the residential pool and know how to use it. A first aid kit, cordless phone, phone list with emergency contact information, a reaching pole and a ring buoy with a nylon line attached are recommended. First aid kits should contain plastic face shields, which can help prevent disease transmission. Cordless phones allow you to make that 911 call and to receive calls without leaving the area.

Pack a safety bag for a day at the beach or lake. The properly packed safety bag will help ensure a fun day in which everyone comes home safe and sound. Water proof sunscreen with and SPF of 15 or higher, water shoes to keep feet safe from the heat and sharp objects on land and plenty of drinking water are musts. All containers should be plastic to prevent injuries from breaking glass. Also, a hat and sunglasses keep eyes safe from dangerous UV rays.

Learn Red Cross first aid and CPR. While the above tips can help prevent emergencies, it is important to know what to do if a situation arises. All caregivers, including grandparents, older siblings and babysitters should have these lifesaving skills.

 
“Splash Pad” Safety Tips

As water fun sites are becoming more popular in the area, it’s important that parents and kids remember the importance of staying safe around water. Slips and falls can happen quickly whenever a surface is wet and slippery. The potential for long-term injury exists on “splash pads” and other water fun sites. The following tips from the American Red Cross will help keep kids of all ages safe as they’re splashing this summer.

  1. Don’t allow children to use the water play site if it’s too crowded.

  2. Young children may not be able to get back up quickly after a fall on a slippery surface. Keep a close eye to make sure no one gets run over.

  3. Children should play with a buddy, so that if someone gets hurt, the friend can call for help.

  4. Don’t get burned! Children should wear lots of sunscreen and avoid getting too hot by taking frequent breaks from playing in the sun and by taking sips of cool water often.

  5. Some splash pads may be designed for younger children. Kids that are too old or too big for the equipment should not use them. Younger children could get hurt.

  6. Unless the equipment is designed for climbing: NO CLIMBING.

  7. Take turns on slides. A pile-up could hurt someone.

  8. Don’t drink the water! Chemicals or contaminants could pose health risks.

 

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