Water Safety Tips!
Here in California we have access to a lot of amazing locations and amenities for family fun. From theme parks to rivers, lakes, and beaches, there are a wide variety of options to choose from. Many of these fun and inviting locations offer water attractions. And when you and your family are enjoying the warm weather and taking advantage of some of these options, we’d like to offer some information to keep you informed and safe.
Unfortunately water related accidents are all too common, especially for children. Water related accidents and injuries can happen in moments and in what seem to be unlikely places. The best way to protect yourself and your family is with preparedness. Many local and community organizations offer swimming lessons for people of all ages, from infants to adults. If you or anyone in your family is not comfortable around water or in their abilities, we would recommend a swim class even if you don’t plan to be a regular swimmer. Situations can arise that we don’t plan for, and it’s better to be as prepared as possible. Life is unpredictable, and all we can do is learn as much as we can to help in situations we didn’t plan to be in. Check out your local community pages for available lessons or visit the red cross website: Red Cross Classes, Swim Class Scholarships
For times when you do plan to enjoy some water activities, the red cross has a plethora of information to help keep you and your family safe and continuing to enjoy all of the fun water activities you can find. You can check it out here: Red Cross Water Safety
We’ve created an infographic highlighting many of the main points to help remember whenever you and your family chose to enjoy a water activity. Remember, knowledge is power and water should be respected at all times. No family ever thinks they will be faced with dangerous or unknown circumstances when they’re out enjoying themselves, but the reality is that many do. While we can’t prepare for all situations in life, we can do our best to be informed and have a plan.
We want all individuals to have access and be able to enjoy water as much as they’d like. This begins with knowledge and preparedness. Please thoroughly read the Red Cross water safety information, and we highly recommend swimming or water safety classes for everyone regardless of age or ability. If you’re a member of the Joyscape community, reach out to your clinicians and we can do our best to help connect you with appropriate resources. You can also save this infographic for a quick reference! We hope you continue to enjoy all the water activities your family loves safely and confidently!
Infographic text: Adapted from Red Cross Water Safety
Learn Water Competence
Know your limitations! Never swim alone. If possible, choose locations with lifeguards on watch. Be aware of environmental risks (tides, currents, rip currents, shallow and unclear water). Check conditions before you go!
Learn Swimming Skills
Find a swim class for you or your child's skill level. Learn 5 skills recommended by the red cross in different environments:
1. Enter water that's over your head, and return to the surface.
2. float for 1 minute.
3. Turn over and around in water.
4. Swim 25 yards.
5. Exit the water.
Be Alert to Help Others
Pay close attention to weak swimmers and children. Know the signs of drowning. Take CPR and first aid classes. Designate an adult to be the 'water watcher', to keep their eye on those in the water at all times.
Use Layers of Protection
Ensure there are barriers between vulnerable people and danger. Teach children to always ask permission before going into water. Lifejackets are recommended for all. At home, fence in pools or water features for added barriers.
Know Signs of Distress
A swimmer may need help if: they are not making forward progress. Are vertical in water and not making progress. They are bobbing in the water and quiet. Their mouth may be at water level, they are swimming in a ladder climbing motion.
Incase of Emergency
If anyone is unaccounted for, always check water first. Immediately alert lifeguards. Know and be able to recognize the signs of distress. Do not attempt a rescue if you are not a strong swimmer. Use the "reach or throw, don't go" method of rescue.
Prepare
The more you learn and prepare, the more likely you are to avoid water emergencies. Find more information and resources at: How to Prepare for Emergencies: Water Safety
