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HARQUAHALA FIRE DISTRICT
WATER SAFETY
IT ONLY TAKES A FEW SECONDS
Summer is upon us and we need to watch
our children around water! Please take the time to read
what the American Red Cross has to say about Water Safety
and Drowning Prevention so we can all protect our loved
ones around water.
Below is some General Water Safety
Tips to remember always.
General Water Safety Tips
·
Learn to swim. The best thing anyone
can do to stay safe in and around the water is to learn
to swim. Always swim with a buddy; never swim alone.
·
Swim in areas supervised by a lifeguard.
·
Read and obey all rules and posted
signs.
·
Children or inexperienced swimmers
should take precautions, such as wearing a U.S. Coast Guard-approved
personal floatation device when around the water.
·
Watch out for the dangerous "too’s"
– too tired, too cold, too far from safety, too much sun,
too much strenuous activity.
·
Set water safety rules for the whole
family based on swimming abilities (for example, inexperienced
swimmers should stay in water less than chest deep).
·
Be knowledgeable of the water environment
you are in and its potential hazards, such as deep and shallow
areas, currents, depth charges, obstructions and where the
entry and exit points are located. The more informed you
are, the more aware you will be of hazards and safe practices.
·
Pay attention to local weather conditions
and forecasts. Stop swimming at the first indication of
bad weather.
·
Use a feet-first entry when entering
the water.
·
Enter headfirst only when the area
is clearly marked for diving and has no obstructions.
·
Do not mix alcohol with swimming,
diving or boating. Alcohol impairs your judgment, balance,
and coordination, affects your swimming and diving skills,
and reduces your body's ability to stay warm.
·
Know how to prevent, recognize, and
respond to emergencies.
For more information on all types
of water safety please click the link below to see what
additional information the American Red Cross has for you.
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