Red Cross Reminds Holiday Revelers of Essential Water Safety

Written by Bonnie Gillespie, Staff Writer, RedCross.org

July 3, 2003 — "Summer is a great time to relax - except when it comes to water safety," said Greg Stockton, American Red Cross health and safety expert.

Hot Tips on Staying Safe        in the Sun     Camping Safety     Beach Safety     Backyard Safety

"Summer is a great time to relax - except when it comes to water safety," said Greg Stockton, American Red Cross health and safety expert.

As Americans celebrate Independence Day, the Red Cross is reminding revelers nationwide about the essentials of water safety during poolside and beachfront fun. Outdoor activities are often the highlight of Fourth of July festivities but children and parents especially shouldn't take a vacation from safety.

"Playing it safe in and around the water and following a few simple guidelines will prevent many accidents," Stockton said.

Mike Espino, with Red Cross Health and Safety services, reminds families to follow these safety tips for staying healthy and safe in or around the water:

• Learn to swim and swim well. One of the best things anyone can do to stay safe in and around the water is learn to swim. No one, including adults, should ever swim alone. Adults should practice "reach supervision" which means to be within arm's length of a child in case an emergency occurs.

• Know your child's skills and limits. "Parents should take into account that with no practice, it is a safe bet that the skills their child exhibited in the water at the end of last season are not the same. Also you can't assume they're the same in open water environments like the beach or lake as they are in the pool. Give your child the chance to get acclimated to the water again, and to a new environment," says Espino.

• Outfit everyone with the proper gear. Kids - and even adults - who are not strong swimmers or who appear to rely on inflatable toys for safety should use U.S. Coast Guard approved personal flotation devices (PFDs) whenever they are in or around the water. "This lightweight plastic equipment-when used properly-can help save lives," says Espino. Everyone, including strong swimmers, should use an approved PFD when boating. Each person should have the appropriate personal flotation device for his or her weight and size, which is found clearly marked inside the label near the Coast Guard stamp. "A great idea is to make a family day out of learning the rules of water safety and shopping for durable safety equipment together at a local pool supply store or mass distributor," Espino suggests.

• Always keep basic lifesaving equipment by the residential pool and know how to use it. A first aid kit, cordless phone, phone list with emergency contact information, a reaching pole and a ring buoy with a nylon line attached are recommended. First aid kits should contain plastic face shields, which can help prevent disease transmission. Cordless phones allow you to make that 911 call and to receive calls without leaving the area.

  "Plastic makes the ring buoy so light even a child can save a life if the need arises," points out Espino. "These items coupled with a pool emergency action plan-similar to a fire drill-help the whole family breathe a little easier." In addition, the Red Cross recommends that pools be surrounded on all sides by a fence that is at least 4 feet high. It should not provide any footholds, which would allow a child to climb over, or spacing to climb through. The fence should have a self-closing, self-locking gate that is locked when the pool is not in use.

• Pack a "safety" bag for a day at the beach or lake. "The properly packed safety bag will help ensure a fun day in which everyone comes home safe and sound," says Espino. Water-proof sunscreen with an SPF 15 or higher, water shoes to keep feet safe from the heat and sharp objects on land and plenty of water are musts. All containers should be plastic to prevent injuries from breaking glass. Also, a hat and sunglasses keep eyes safe from dangerous UV rays.

• Learn Red Cross first aid and CPR. "While the above tips can help prevent emergencies, it is important to know what to do if a situation arises," says Espino. And all caregivers, including grandparents, older siblings and babysitters should have these lifesaving skills.

Related Links:

• More Summer Safety Tips
  
• Health and Safety Services of the American Red Cross
• First Aid, CPR and AED Courses
  

Send this article to a Friend or Colleague. . . Send to e-mail address: Your name: Your e-mail: Your comments:

Tell us what you think! Was this article informative? lowest 1 2 3 4 5 highest Did it inspire you to help or get involved? lowest 1 2 3 4 5 highest Would you return to read similar articles? lowest 1 2 3 4 5 highest How could this article better meet your needs? If you would like a response please include your e-mail address.

All American Red Cross disaster assistance is free, made possible by voluntary donations of time and money from the American people. The Red Cross also supplies nearly half of the nation's lifesaving blood. This, too, is made possible by generous voluntary donations. You can help the victims of thousands of disasters across the country each year by making a financial gift to the American Red Cross Disaster Relief Fund, which enables the Red Cross to provide shelter, food, counseling and other assistance to those in need. You can make a secure online credit card donation or call 1-800-HELP NOW (1-800-435-7669) or 1-800-257-7575 (Spanish). Or you may send your donation to your local Red Cross or to the American Red Cross, P.O. Box 37243, Washington, D.C. 20013. To donate blood, please call 1-800-GIVE-LIFE (1-800-448-3543), or contact your local Red Cross to find out about upcoming blood drives.