Summer activities are in full swing. Hanging out at the beach or pool on a hot summer day is a great way to beat the heat.
Practicing water safety may not be on our minds when we are out having fun, but knowing how to stay safe will help us to enjoy the lazy days of summer to the fullest.
According to the Centers for Disease Control, drowning is the leading cause of injury/death for young children ages 1 to 4.
Most water-related accidents can be avoided by knowing how to stay safe and follow a few simple guidelines.
Practice swimming safety. Always swim with a buddy. Learn CPR. Immediate CPR can help a child stay alive and reduce the chance of brain damage.
Know your limits.
If you are not a good swimmer or you are just learning how to swim, don't go in water that is so deep that you cannot touch the bottom and don't try to keep up with skilled swimmers.
Swim only within designated safe areas of rivers, lakes and oceans. It's a good idea to swim only in places supervised by a lifeguard.
Protect yourself by only diving in areas that are known to be safe, such as in the deep end of a supervised pool. Lakes or rivers can be cloudy and hazards may be hard to see.
Always wear a U.S. Coast Guard-approved life jacket when you are in or near an open body of water, a boat, or when participating in water sports.
For kids younger than 5 years old, choose a vest with a strap between the legs and head support. The collar will keep the child's head up and face out of the water. Inflatable vests and water wings are not effective protection against drowning.
Practice proper pool and spa behavior and teach these behaviors to your children. Never run, push or jump on others around water.
At a water park, take some time to read the rules and warnings at the park. Those signs are posted for your safety.
Most importantly, supervise children carefully when around water. Know where your children are at all times.
Don't assume that just because they know how to swim, drowning can't happen.
Take a cordless phone with you when you are supervising children around the pool. A quick call to 911 can save a life.
At home, increase your awareness about the possible water hazards in your neighborhood. Know which homes have pools. Locate any creeks, or drainage ditches that may attract children.
Toilets and bathtubs can also pose a danger to toddlers as small children are top-heavy and don't have the upper body strength to lift themselves out of one of these situations.
Teach your children a healthy respect for water and water safety.
Most boating accidents, particularly among teen-agers, are related to alcohol. When you and your family are boating, assign a designated driver who won't drink. Educate your teens about the dangers of alcohol on and off the water.
(Submitted by the Defiance County Health Department)