Drowning is a leading killer of children between the ages of one
to four. Prevention, of course, is the key to lowering that statistic.
Here are some good safety tips to remember when swimming!
GENERAL SAFETY
Never swim alone, bring a "buddy" with you.
If you get a leg cramp, try not to panic. Float on your back,
and bring your leg to the surface. Rub the muscle with both hands,
with a kneading action. Don't be afraid to rub hard. Try swimming
slowly back to shore, using a different stroke than the one you
used when you got the cramp.
A stomach cramp is more serious. It is usually caused by
swimming hard in cold water on a full stomach. If the pain is very
bad, try to keep your head above water, and shout for help. If it
not too severe, try floating on your back and take slow deep
breaths to help relax the muscles. You can also try bending your
knees to your chest, and then extending them again.
POOL SAFETY
Don't run around the pool edge, you could slip and get hurt, or
fall in.
It is dangerous to duck people, and can destroy their
confidence.
Be thoughtful of other swimmers. Watch where you are going so
you don't collide with anyone.
If you are allowed to use equipment, be careful with it.
Flippers can hurt someone if you run into them, and snorkles could
make you lose your sense of direction, and you may swim under the
diving area by accident.
Don't jump in without checking if there is someone below.
Never throw someone in as a joke. They may hit their head on the
side of the pool.
SWIMMING IN OPEN WATERS
If you are not sure if an area is safe for swimming, don't swim
there.
Never swim right after a meal, allow about an hour for your food
to digest.
Never swim if danger flags are flying.
Check whether the tide is going in or out.
Don't swim near piers or breakwaters. The currents here may be
very strong, even for the best of swimmers.
Stay clear of boats. They take time to change direction, and
they may not even see you.
Swim parallel to the shore. If you swim out too far, you may be
too tired to swim back.
Open water is usually much colder than a pool, so don't swim out
too far.
