Beacon Watch

boats, safety, sports

Learn to Swim

From swimming pools to a day on the lake—water offer endless recreation for people of all ages. However, it should not be ignored that, without proper care, water can present a serious danger to young children. It is very important, therefore, for parents to understand the basics of water safety both for themselves and for the children. Read on to learn more about how you can keep your children safe around water.

General Rules

  • Young children should always wear a lifejacket when in or around water.
  • Young children should always be supervised by an adult when in or around water.
  • These rules apply to even the smallest bodies of water, such as kiddie pools.

Rules for Boating

  • When it comes to boating, it is important for parents to remember that young children should wear their lifejackets, fully latched and properly placed, at all times. Though it is not always mandatory for adults to wear lifejackets, you may wish to consider wearing yours at all times in order to set a good example (and to keep yourself safe.)

Rules for the Pool

  • Backyard swimming pools must always be surrounded by a fence that prevents young children from entering unsupervised. This is one of the most important steps you can take in order to prevent drowning. NEVER allow you child to go near water unsupervised!
  • Spas and hot tubs are unsafe for young children as they can cause rapid overheating.

On Swimming Lessons

  • For children 5 years of age and older, swimming lessons are an important part of water safety. For children aged 1-4, water exposure and swimming lessons can make a difference, but parents should always assume that such children have zero swimming ability in order to prevent a dangerous situation.

Learn more…

With proper attention to safety, water recreation can be safe and fun for everyone! For more water safety information, visit the Beacon-Watch blog.

Tips for Swimming in Natural Bodies of Water

Though caution must always be exercised when swimming, there are special precautions to be taken when swimming in a natural body of water as opposed to in a pool or in other “controlled” bodies of water.  In fact, the American Red Cross includes a special section of their water safety webpage reminding swimmers of exactly that. Here are a few important tips to keep in mind when you do swim in lakes, oceans, rivers, etc.

  • Avoid Swimming Alone.  One way to greatly reduce the risks associated with swimming is through the buddy system.  If someone nearby knows that you are swimming, they will  be able to react should you need help.  Ideally, of course, swimming should only be done in areas that are patrolled by a lifeguard.
  • Beware Unseen Dangers.  Objects underwater such as rocks, broken glass, or even water-critters are oftentimes difficult to see, so it’s important to be aware of your surroundings.  It is also very important to avoid diving in areas that you do not know well, as hidden sandbars, rocks, etc. can cause serious or even fatal injuries.
  • Watch out for Currents.  Natural bodies of water often present some form of current–be it the movement of a river or the riptide of an ocean or lake.  These can make swimming extremely challenging, so it’s important to pay attention and play it safe.
  • Extreme Conditions Call for Extreme Precautions.  Cold water can cause rapid fatigue and even hypothermia. Hot conditions and direct sunlight can also cause fatigue or even heatstroke.  Storms can turn even the calmest bodies of water treacherous. Be sure to check the forecast and plan accordingly.
  • Heed all Posted Signs.  At many beaches, posted signs will alert you to any specific hazards.  Be sure to keep an eye out for them and to obey their instructions.

Visit the Beacon Watch blog for more safety tips, or visit our online store for a selection of important water safety equipment such as the SeaMe Beacon.

3 Tips for Learning How to Swim

If you’re an adult who has never learned how to swim, don’t worry–you’re not alone.  According to a recent article published in Time Magazine, only 56% of Americans were able to pass a basic swimming exam that tested 5 core competencies.  Thankfully, learning to swim is much easier than you may think–and it can even be a lot of fun.  There are so many reasons to learn–ranging from improved health, to boosted self-confidence, to the ability to develop a lifelong hobby.  As a part of our commitment to improving water safety for everyone, Beacon Watch would also like to point out safety as another very important reason to learn.  That’s why we’re presenting these 3 tips for learning how to swim.

#1: Get Used to the Water!

The most effective way to learn swimming is by feeling comfortable and having fun.  (In fact, I would venture to say that is the most effective way to learn just about anything!)  That’s why an important first step should be simply getting used to the water.  Get into the shallow end of the pool (where you can still easily stand) and enjoy wading around.  Eventually, you’ll want to practice submerging yourself up to your neck, holding your breath underwater, and lifting both feet off the ground at the same time.  This will go a long way towards helping you feel more relaxed throughout the process.

#2: Find a Swimming Buddy

Once you’re ready to start practicing, it’s a good idea to bring a friend along.  Not only is this an important safety measure, it will also make the whole process a lot more fun.  Last but not least, you will have an experienced partner who can help point out areas for improvement in your form.

#3: Never Give Up!

Swimming, like most other sports, is very rewarding–but does require a bit of hard work.  The most important advice anyone can give, therefore, is to stay committed! You’ll be glad you did!

 

For more information on water and ski safety, check out the Beacon Watch website today!

Top 4 Reasons why Everyone Should Learn to Swim

Did you know that the Red Cross recently released a study showing that millions of Americans don’t know how to swim? A recent survey showed that just 80% of Americans say that they can swim–and even more disturbingly, only 56% of self described swimmers were able to demonstrate an understanding of the basic swimming skills that can be used in emergency situations. In an effort to improve those numbers, we’re counting down the top 4 reasons why everyone should learn how to swim.

4. Stay Fit
There’s no doubt about it–swimming is one of the best exercises for the human body. Not only does it work virtually all muscles, it is also impressively easy on joints, tendons, and other “trouble” areas that are prone to stress-related injuries. Which brings us to number 3…

3. Swimming Will Stay With You Your Whole Life
Unlike other sports such as running, biking, or skiing, swimming is a low-contact, low-risk physical activity that allows participants to stay active even in advanced age.

2. Swim Competitively
In recent years, many Americans have become more open to new competitive sports–and that includes sports such as water polo, swimming, and other water-based games. That allows those who love the competitive nature of sports such as football, baseball, and hockey to enjoy lower-contact, lower-risk sports without missing out on the thrills of victory and defeat.

1. Swimming Could Save Your Life
Last but certainly not least, swimming is a valuable activity because it can help save lives–and that includes your own! The Red Cross study cited above also found that an average of 10 people die of drowning in the United States alone each and every day. Learning how to swim can help lower that number by reducing your chances of drowning and giving you the necessary skills to save others who fall into perilous situations.

Beacon Watch
Beacon Watch encourages safe water practices–and we make the products to help implement them. Check out our website for more helpful information, and to see the Beacon Watch online store.