Summer Water Safety

By Donna Stark

Even if you have already spent the better part of summer hanging out at your favorite bodies of water, it is still good to review how important water safety is and to know how prevalent drowning can be. And while we definitely should be keeping our eyes on all the children playing in or near water, we also can't forget to help the adults who need to prioritize water safety for everyone involved. Just because you made it this far without any incidents doesn't mean you can ease up on your vigilance, so take a look at the following safety suggestions.

Use Life Jackets

Heading out to the lake, river, or ocean? Swimming in natural bodies of water is a lot different than swimming at the community pool so make sure you are taking all the necessary precautions! Bring properly-fitted life jackets (or rent them), keep an eye out for warning signs, know all the weather risks, follow directions from lifeguards, and cater your adventure to the person with the least amount of swimming abilities. Making smart, intentional choices while on land can save you from a lot of potential regret and heartache later on.

Designate Someone to Watch

No matter how old your children are, it is vital to have someone watching them while they are playing in or around water. Before any of the kids put their swimsuits on, choose who that person (or persons) will be and make sure they understand the time spent on watch duty has to be free from any kind of distraction! This includes phone use, eating, reading, or engaging in lengthy conversations.

Take Swim Lessons

You pay for your children to have lessons in golf, piano, and art, so why not add one more type of lesson to the list? Sign your children up for swim lessons while they are young, and if they need refresher lessons at the start of each summer, sign them up for those as well. It's too important not to.

Restrict Access

All it takes is a few seconds for children to get themselves in trouble so make sure you take the proper steps to ensure their safety. Install pool gates and alarms, build a fence around your yard if there is a pond or river nearby, and bring a toddler play gate to the beach. Sure, these steps will require some extra effort and money, but it's better to be safe than sorry.

Enjoying a Safe Summer

The water is calling you, so get everything packed up and ready to go! By following the tips above, you can keep your friends and family safe around the water while having an incredibly fun time doing so!

To learn more about your health, wellness, and fitness, see your local chiropractor at The Joint Chiropractic in Citrus Heights, Calif.