Water Safety
What is drowning?
People drown when they get too much water in their lungs. You can drown in as little as an inch or two of water. Babies can drown in a sink or bathtub. Preschoolers are most likely to drown in a swimming pool. People who have seizure disorders are also at risk in the water. Drowning can happen quickly and silently.
Drowning precautions should include:
- Fences around pools
- Supervising children near any body of water, including tubs
- Not swimming or boating when under the influence of alcohol or sedatives
- Wearing life jackets when boating
- Learning CPR
- Learn more from MedlinePlus
What is water & boating safety?
Playing in the water - whether swimming, boating or diving - can be fun. It can also be dangerous, especially for children. Being safe can help prevent injuries and drowning. To stay safe in the water:
- Avoid alcohol when swimming or boating
- Wear a life jacket whenever you're in a boat
- Don't swim alone, or in bad weather
- Learn CPR
- Learn to swim and teach your children to swim
- Supervise your children when they are in the water
- Prevent sunburns - use plenty of sunscreen
- Learn more from MedlinePlus
What is water safety?
Water safety tips for all ages include:
- Learn CPR.
- Never swim alone.
- Never dive into water unless you know beforehand how deep it is.
- Know your limits. Do not go into areas of water that you cannot handle.
- Stay out of strong currents even if you are a strong swimmer.
- Learn about rip currents and undertows and how to swim out of them.
- Always wear life preservers when boating, even if you know how to swim.
- Do not overload your boat. If your boat turns over, stay with the boat until help arrives.
Do not drink alcohol before or during swimming, boating, or water skiing. Do not drink alcohol while supervising children around water.
When boating, know local weather conditions and forecasts. Watch for dangerous waves and rip currents.
- Learn more from MedlinePlus about water safety