Beacon Watch

boats, safety, sports

Swimming Safety

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.

  Because no boat is entirely trustworthy—think of the Titanic—even if you are the greatest boater in the world, you may one day need to be able to survive in the water without it. This is why one of the most important aspects of boating safety actually has nothing to do with boats. Swimming is one of the most crucial skills to a safe boater, and, of all of the different methods of staying afloat, treading water may be the most useful to a boater. This is because rather than trying to swim to the shore, the passenger of a capsized boat is typically simply waiting where he or she is in order to be rescued. Below are 5 steps on how to tread water efficiently and correctly.

  • Do not try to swim. When swimming, you turn your body horizontally in the water and kick your legs. However, when treading water, you keep your body upright and use both your arms and legs.
  • Move your arms horizontally, and your legs back and forth in a circular motion.
  • Do not panic. Additionally, continue breathing normally. Panicking and hyperventilating can only waste your energy and make it more difficult to actually stay above the water.
  • Lie on your back if you are having trouble staying afloat in the normal position. This will also become difficult after a while, but it uses different muscles and different technique than regular water treading, so it may help you rest and stay afloat longer.
  • Use anything around you to stay afloat. This may seem like a no-brainer, but if you happen to see any floating debris—wood, garbage, etc—in the water, do not hesitate to grab onto it.

Looking for more ways to stay safe while boating? Check out BeaconWatch today for state of the art boating safety solutions.

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.