Reno, NV (July 24, 2019) Recent drownings involving swimmers, boaters and kayakers in our area are sobering reminders to northern Nevada residents of the importance of aquatics safety and preparedness.

Regardless of age, it’s imperative to know how to stay safe in the water, and how to be able to assist others who may get into trouble. Before heading out to the pool or favorite swimming spot, the Red Cross of Northern Nevada offers these important swimming safety tips: 

• If possible, swim in designated areas supervised by lifeguards. 
• Always swim with a buddy; do not allow anyone to swim alone. 
• 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. 
• Have young children or inexperienced swimmers wear U.S. Coast Guard-approved life jackets around water, but do not rely on life jackets alone.
• Maintain constant supervision. 
• Make sure everyone in your family learns to swim well. Enroll in age-appropriate Red Cross aquatics and learn-to-swim courses.
• If you have a pool, secure it with appropriate barriers and make sure there is constant supervision.
• If a child is missing, check the water first. Seconds count in preventing death or disability.
• Have appropriate equipment, such as a reaching pole or life preservers.
• Have your cell phone nearby if you need to call 911.
• 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 15.
• Drink plenty of water regularly, even if you’re not thirsty. Avoid drinks with alcohol or caffeine in them as they will dehydrate.
• Enroll in Red Cross home pool safety, water safety, first aid and CPR/AED courses to learn how to prevent and respond to emergencies.

About the Northern Nevada Chapter 

The American Red Cross of Northern Nevada serves 13 counties and over 87,000 square miles. Its more than 200 volunteers respond to disasters both locally and nationally in addition to providing training on CPR and community preparedness. The chapter has served northern Nevada for more than 100 years. The American Red Cross of Northern Nevada receives generous support from the Parasol Tahoe Community Foundation.

About the American Red Cross 

The American Red Cross shelters, feeds and provides emotional support to victims of disasters; supplies about 40 percent of the nation's blood; teaches skills that save lives; provides international humanitarian aid; and supports military members and their families. The Red Cross is a not-for-profit organization that depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to perform its mission. For more information, please visit redcross.org or cruzrojaamericana.org, or visit us on Twitter at @RedCross.