Swimming is a fun summer activity that people of all ages enjoy. However, it can be dangerous if proper safety precautions are not taken. Drowning is the fifth leading cause of unintentional injury death in the United States.

Therefore, it is vital to ensure that pool safety rules are followed and that individuals are well-educated on swim safety measures.

Always Supervise

One of the golden rules of swimming is to always supervise children and even adults who are not strong swimmers. Swimming in public areas should be done in the presence of a lifeguard.

In the absence of a lifeguard, parents or guardians should keep a keen eye on children and ensure they don’t venture too deep into the water.

Swim in Designated Spaces

Swimming in designated spaces also helps in preventing accidents in the water. In public pools, swimming should be confined to the appropriate areas to avoid collisions, especially between fast and slow swimmers.

It is not recommended to swim in non-designated areas like ponds, rivers, and the sea, as these come with more potential dangers.

Teach Swimming Safety to Children

Another way parents or guardians can prevent accidents is to teach children swimming safety tips. For example, children should be warned not to swim alone and should be taught about the buddy system.

They should also be educated on the dangers of running around the poolside, which can lead to accidental falls and other serious injuries. Additionally, children should be instructed to avoid swimming pool drains, which can be a source of suction and trap swimmers. Young children or non-swimmers should also wear flotation devices.

Learn CPR

It is not enough to provide supervision and take safety measures in the presence of a lifeguard. Knowing CPR can save the life of a drowning victim in the short time between the incident and the arrival of emergency responders.

CPR should be done in the right way, as incorrect administration can cause more harm or even death. Swimming facility owners and operators should ensure that they have equipment such as AEDs to handle cardiac and other emergencies.

Check Swimming Facilities

One of the precautions that swimming facility owners and operators can take is to ensure that swimming pools are regularly checked and clean.

This ensures that there are no safety hazards in the water like broken glass or other foreign objects that can cause accidents. The swimming pool’s water should be tested regularly for correct chlorine and other chemical levels to prevent outbreaks of waterborne illnesses.

Adequate Swimming Skills

Before venturing into the deep end of a pool or bodies of water, individuals should ensure that they have adequate swimming skills. As professionals recommend, swimming lessons are ideal for beginners, especially children.

Individuals should know their limits and not swim beyond their abilities. It is crucial to pay attention to water depth and even assess weather conditions like tides and waves before getting into the water.

Be Prepared for Emergencies

It is important to have an emergency action plan in place. This should be communicated to all those using the swimming facility. The plan should include information about the location of emergency equipment such as AEDs and first aid kits.

The location of the nearest hospital should also be communicated. Those who swim in open waters, such as at the beach, should take note of the proximity of emergency responders and any other services like lifeguards.

Know the Legal Requirements

It is essential for swimming pool operators to be aware of the legal requirements surrounding the operation and maintenance of swimming facilities.

These requirements include fencing around the pool, adequate lifesaving equipment, proper security, and safe chemical storage. Complying with these regulations ensures that swimmers are safe, and operators avoid costly damages and lawsuits that can arise as a result of accidents.

Avoid Alcohol and Drugs

Finally, individuals should avoid using alcohol and drugs before and during swimming activities. These substances can impair judgment and affect swimming abilities, leading to serious accidents and drowning.

Individuals who use prescription medication should consult their doctor before venturing into the water, as some drugs can cause fatigue or other side effects that can impair swimming ability.

Conclusion

Swimming is a fun-filled activity that should be enjoyed safely. By following these simple safety measures, accidents can be prevented, and lives saved. Swimmers should always be aware of their environments and surroundings while in the water.

Swimming pool operators should abide by legal requirements and implement safety measures to ensure swimming facilities are safe. Parents or guardians should teach children swimming safety rules, and everyone should work together to prevent drowning accidents.