Family Water Safety - Water Safety

The most important safety tip is to learn how to swim

Swimming is an essential life skill. Drowning is a leading cause of accidental death worldwide, especially among children. Whether you’re at the pool, the beach, or near a lake, knowing how to swim gives you the ability to protect yourself in unexpected situations. It also means you’re less likely to panic if you fall into water or get pulled into a current, which can make the difference between life and death.

There are other benefits as well. Swimming is a great way to stay healthy. It’s a full-body workout that strengthens your muscles and improves your endurance. It is a low-impact exercise that builds strength and flexibility. For teens, it can be a fun alternative to the gym because it combines exercise with relaxation. Swimming can help manage stress, clear your mind, and even improve your sleep.

Finally, learning to swim opens the door to a lot of opportunities and experiences. From lifeguarding jobs to water sports, strong swimming skills give you access to activities that can shape your social life, build confidence, and even create career options. Swimming is a lifelong skill that you can enjoy it at any age. By learning to swim now, you’re giving yourself freedom, confidence, and safety in and around water for the rest of your life.

Swimming lessons are recommended if you are not a strong swimmer or don’t feel comfortable in the water. When you’re choosing lessons, it’s important to look for a program that makes you feel safe, challenged, and supported. A good class should have trained, certified instructors who can clearly explain skills and demonstrate them in the water. The lessons should match your ability level, starting with the basics if you’re new or focusing on technique and endurance if you already know how to swim. Most importantly, the environment should feel positive and encouraging, helping you build confidence while pushing you to improve.

It's never too early or late to learn how to swim. There are classes for infants, adults, and all ages in between. Do it for your health and your own safety as well as those around you.

General Swimming Skills & Awareness

Learning to Float & Tread Water: Practice floating on your back in calm water. Keep your head up while treading. Relax and use slow movements to conserve energy.
Swimming in Crowds: Stay aware of people around you. Avoid swimming under rafts or floats. Don’t block the lifeguard’s view.
Recognizing Signs of Drowning: Look for the silent struggle. A person’s head may be tilted back with their mouth at water level. They may have a vertical body position with little or no leg kick. They may be gasping or bobbing without showing any progress. If you see this then get help immediately.
Swim Gear Safety: Make sure goggles fit properly. Remove snorkels when not in use to avoid entanglement. Wear fins only in appropriate areas. Rinse gear after use to prevent wear and bacteria buildup.
Learn to Swim: If you don’t know how to swim or are a weak swimmer then take lessons. Swimming is a skill you will then have for life.
Always swim near a lifeguard or under adult supervision. Never swim alone.

Emergency Preparedness

How to Call for Help: Know your location and nearest landmarks. Call 911 or emergency services immediately. Stay calm and speak clearly. Send someone to meet rescuers.
CPR Basics: Learn CPR by taking a certified American Red Cross class. Start chest compressions immediately if unresponsive. Continue until help arrives or the person recovers.
Rescue Techniques for Non-Swimmers: “Reach or throw, don’t go.” Use a pole, branch, or towel to pull someone in. Throw a floating device for them to hold. Lie down to avoid being pulled in.

Ready for some Fun?