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Swim Safely: Quick tips

Quick Tips

Swim Safely: Quick tips 

Swimming is a great way for the whole family to get active and spend time outside. Follow these tips to stay safe in and near the water.

Protect yourself and others from germs in the water.

  • Try not to get water in your mouth.
  • Make sure everyone is clean before swimming. Shower with soap. Wash your hands after using the bathroom or changing diapers.
  • Take your kids on bathroom breaks or check diapers often. Change diapers in a bathroom or a diaper-changing area.

Swim safely.

  • Swim near a lifeguard and never swim alone.
  • Don’t drink alcohol if you are swimming or watching children.
  • Use floating toys like water wings and noodles for fun – not for safety. Don’t use them in place of life jackets.
  • Watch out for rip currents. A rip current is when the water pulls you away from shore. If you get caught in a rip current, swim along the shoreline until you are out of the current, then swim to shore.
  • Take swim lessons if you don’t know how to swim. Sign your kids up for lessons as soon as they’re old enough. 

Watch children carefully.

  • Make sure at least one adult is watching when children are near or in the water.
  • Don’t read or use the phone while you are watching young children.
  • Watch all children in the water, even if they know how to swim.

Check water and weather conditions before going to the beach.

  • Don’t swim after heavy rain. Water is more likely to be polluted after a rain storm.
  • Check for signs or warnings about bacteria or other pollution in the water.
  • Get out of the water right way if you hear thunder or see lightning. Strong winds can also be dangerous.

Protect your skin from the sun.

  • Wear plenty of sunscreen with a minimum SPF of 15.
  • Put on more sunscreen every couple of hours and after swimming.
Content last updated on: August 14, 2012 Content Review by