There are several safety tips families need to keep in mind before getting into the water. According to the American Red Cross (http://www.redcross.org):

1. Swim in designated areas supervised by lifeguards.
2. Always swim with a buddy; do not allow anyone to swim alone.
3. Never leave a young child unattended near water and do not trust a child’s life to another child; teach children to always ask permission to go near water.
4. Have young children or inexperienced swimmers wear U.S. Coast Guard-approved life jackets around water, but do not rely on life jackets alone.
5. Maintain constant supervision.
6. Make sure everyone in your family learns to swim well. Enroll in age-appropriate Red Cross water orientation and learn-to-swim courses. (Swimming courses are also available at your local YMCA.)
7. If you have a pool, secure it with appropriate barriers. Many children who drown in home pools were out of sight for less than five minutes and in the care of one or both parents at the time.
8. Avoid distractions when supervising children around water.
9. If a child is missing, check the water first. Seconds count in preventing death or disability.
10. Have appropriate equipment, such as reaching or throwing equipment, a cell phone, life jackets and a first aid kit.
11. Know how and when to call 9-1-1 or the local emergency number.
12. Enroll in a Red Cross home pool safety, water safety, first aid and CPR/AED courses to learn how to prevent and respond to emergencies.
13. Protect your skin. Limit the amount of direct sunlight you receive between 10:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. and wear sunscreen with a protection factor of at least SPF 15.
14. Drink plenty of water regularly, even if you’re not thirsty. Avoid drinks with a caffeine in them. Adults should also avoid drinks with alcohol in them.

Always follow these simple rules to help keep your friends and family safe in the water. Safe and Happy swimming!

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