Top Water Safety Tips

Jump in the water is fine.

It’s time to get out and play in the water! Whether you love to take your family to a seaside beach or spend time in the local lake park, you’ll want to protect your family and safeguard the health of local water systems at the same time.

Here are some helpful water safety tips for while you frolic and swim in the H2O ...

1. Supervise children while in and around open bodies of water using your undivided attention.
2. When in large groups, have a designated spotter on duty at all times. Alternatively, swim only in areas with lifeguard supervision.
3. Stress the importance oflearning how to swim for the entire family starting at age 4 to help prevent unnecessary water accidents.
4. Use the buddy system to ensure that no one ever swims alone.
5. Be sure to vacate the water whenever there are sounds of thunder or you see lightening.
6. Learn CPR so that you can provide emergency resuscitation in case of a drowning.
7. Have all inexperienced swimmers wear a properly fitted, Coast Guard approved flotation device whenever you and your family are in a boat or near water.
8. At private pools, ensure you have all of the necessary rescue equipment including shepherd’s hook, life preserver, and nearby phone to call 911.

You also want to ensure that you keep your local waterways clean and safe for many generations by following these simple steps ...

1. When boating, never discharge bilge water that has a sheen. It may contain oil or gas that can contribute to water pollution.
2. Use non-toxic chemical cleaning products while cooking or washing near lakes, rivers, and the ocean.
3. Practicing safe toilet techniques whenever camping and hiking.
4. Carry all of your trash out of the park or campground rather than littering the area with it.
5. When you bring your dog, remember to "scoop the poop" - as there are no poop fairies.
6. Pick up trash left by others.
7. Consider joining an ocean or water advocacy group.
8. Be mindful of how your behaviors affect our oceans, rivers, lakes and streams year-round.

Enjoy your fun time in the water! Let us know if you have any additional tips.

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