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Water Safety

How to be safe in and around the water?

Water SafetyHow to be safe in and around the water?
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Water Safety

When the weather turns warm, everyone wants to be in or around the water. Hanging out at the pool or the beach on a hot day is a great way to beat the heat. Between having fun and checking out the lifeguards, most people don't think much about water safety — but they should. For people between the ages of 5 and 24, drowning is the second leading cause of accidental death. It doesn't have to be that way, though. Most water-related accidents can be avoided by knowing how to stay safe and following a few simple guidelines.

Take Steps to Stay Safe Around Water

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One

Swim in designated areas supervised by lifeguards. Do what the lifeguard tells you.
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Two

Always swim with a buddy; do not allow anyone to swim alone. Even at a public pool or a lifeguarded beach, use the buddy system!
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Three

Always swim parallel and close to the shore.

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Four

Children in and around the pool area must be supervised by an adult at all times.

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Five

Have young children or inexperienced swimmers wear U.S. Coast Guard-approved life jackets around water, but do not rely on life jackets alone.
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Six

Even if you do not plan on swimming, be cautious around natural bodies of water including ocean shoreline, rivers and lakes. Cold temperatures, currents and underwater hazards can make a fall into these bodies of water dangerous.
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Seven

Never swim following the consumption of alcohol or other drugs.
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Eight

Read and obey all rules and posted signs.
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Nine

Always swim where there are other people to watch you.
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Ten

Only swim between the red and yellow flags at the beach. They mark the safer area for swimming.
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Eleven

Don't swim just after eating.
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Twelve

In an emergency situation in water, don't panic! Remain calm to conserve your strength.

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Thirteen

Use sunscreen and wear a shirt and hat. Remember to reapply sunscreen after swimming.

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Fourteen

Never run around a pool.
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Fifteen

Always enter the water slowly. Feet first, never dive in.
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Sixteen

Shower before entering the pool.
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Seventeen

Never swim when you are hot or tired.
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Eighteen

Avoid swimming in strange places.
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Nineteen

Be careful not to stay in the water too long. You may get cold.
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Twenty

Never swim out to sea. It's a long way back!
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Twenty one

Never swim at night.
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Twenty two

Only swim or dive where you know it is safe. The water should be clean, clear of sharp objects, and at a safe depth for you.
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Twenty three

Never swim in very cold water.
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Twenty four

Learn to use equipment before trying it out.