National Water Safety Month is recognized each May to highlight the importance of safe water and swimming practices.
Water Safety Tips:
- Learning to swim: everyone can learn to swim with lessons for children, adults, and people with disabilities.
- Watch the water: even if a lifeguard is present, don’t get distracted. Keep your eyes on the water and watch friends and family who are swimming. If you think someone is drowning, call 911!
- Use United States Coast Guard (USCG) approved life jackets or flotation devices.
- Be careful swimming in oceans, lakes, rivers, and ponds: Natural bodies of water may be more dangerous than they look because of steep drop-offs, invisible currents, cold water temperatures, and poor visibility in murky water.
Pool Safety Tips:
- Always watch children in or near water; never leave them unattended
- Teach children to stay away from drains
- Make sure a lifeguard is on duty when swimming at public pools.
- Keep your eyes on children and swim in pairs.
- Ensure all pools and spas have compliant drain covers
- Install barriers, covers, and alarms
- Know how to perform CPR on children and adults
For more information on safe water practices, visit the American Red Cross website here.