10 Must-Know Water Safety Tips For The Summer

It’s important to remember that while learning to swim is hugely helpful in reducing the probability of drowning, it is not preventative, even for the strongest swimmers. These guidelines are important for any level of swimmer.

1. Learn To Swim

It’s proven that taking formal swimming lessons can reduce the risk of drowning by 88% among kids aged 1-4 (Source: Pediatrics & Adolescent Medicine 2009). As drowning continues to be a global health issue, swimming lessons are a live-saving opportunity.

2. Know Your Limits

Even experienced swimmers and aquatic athletes are at risk of drowning. Shallow water blackout or “hypoxic blackout” is a silent killer for those who overestimate their lung capacity.

3. Swim In Lifeguarded Areas

USLA has calculated the chance that a person will drown while attending a beach protected by USLA affiliated lifeguards is 1 in 18 million (0.0000055%). Swimming in unprotected waters severely worsens those odds.

4. Wear A Life Jacket

90% of drowning victims from boating accidents were not wearing life vests. Be sure you’re wearing safety gear, especially if you’re not confident in your swimming skills.

5. Avoid Frozen Bodies Of Water

No matter your swimming proficiency, within five minutes, cold water begins to limit your mobility, which can impair your ability to get out of the water.

6. Don’t Swim In Bad Weather

Inclimate weather is a known contributor to drownings.

7. Reach Or Throw, Don’t Go

Unless you are trained to make a save, even the strongest of swimmers can drown trying to help others.

8. Follow Posted Safety Signs

Recognizing and following safety signs can alert you of dangerous water, erosion, and beach conditions. Get familiar with specific water safety signs to avoid drowning risks.

9. Feet First

Never dive in shallow or unknown waters. Neck or spinal injuries can be paralyzing or even fatal.

10. Buddy Up

Never swim alone! You need someone to be prepared to make a save or to seek help.

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This story was submitted to Love What Matters by the International Water Safety Foundation. You can follow them on Instagram. Submit your own story here, and be sure to subscribe to our free email newsletter for our best stories, and YouTube for our best videos.

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