For many of us the Fourth of July means cook out and pool parties. We at Diamond Spas want help you to practice safe habit while around the water this weekend. According to a recent survey conducted by the American Red Cross, more than 70 percent of those surveyed are planning to participate in water-related activities this summer and almost half of parents with children, between the ages of 3 and 17, plan to due so without the presence of lifeguard.
“With so many families planning unsupervised water activities, the Red Cross is urging families to make sure everyone learns how to swim well,” said Connie Harvey, manager of Aquatics Technical Development. “Most water-related accidents can be avoided by knowing and following basic safety rules. Our swimming and water safety program teaches children and adults how they can be safe in and around the water and how to swim skillfully and safely.”
The survey also found one in three parents believes that “floaties” are an okay substitute for proper supervision. The Red Cross states, that “floaties” are not a replacement trained adult actively watching over the water activities.
Pool safety is especially important for pool owners, as almost ten percent of people surveyed reported they have nearly drowned. It is critical that pool owners have the proper equipment on hand incase of an emergency at your home pool or spa.
You can follow these simple steps to enjoy the water safely this summer:
- Learn to swim well. Almost two million people of all ages learn to swim each year with Red Cross programs.
- Always closely supervise children whenever they are near any body of water. Weak or inexperienced swimmers should wear U. S. Coast Guard-approved life jackets anytime they’re around water.
- Know how to respond to an emergency (including lifesaving CPR skills), how to tell if a swimmer is in distress or is drowning, and how and when to call for emergency help.
- If you have a pool or hot tub, keep lifesaving gear handy. Always have on hand a ring buoy, life jackets, rope, pole or other object that can be used to help a person in trouble. Be sure to have a first aid kit, cordless phone and emergency contact information by the pool.
Contact your local Red Cross chapter to sign up for swim class, water safety and first aid classes.
Have fun this summer, and remember to practice pool safety.
Photo: American Red Cross
