RALEIGH, N.C. (WNCN) – Memorial Day officially kicks off the summer season and many of us are flocking to pools and beaches for sunshine and fun in the water.
Every year, thousands of children and adults die in drowning incidents. Ideally, you should learn to swim before enjoying the water.
While at the pool make sure to:
• Swim in designated areas supervised by lifeguards
• Always swim with a buddy
• Never swim alone
• Young children or inexperienced swimmers must wear U.S. Coast Guard-approved life jackets around water
• Know how and when to call 9-1-1 or the local emergency number.
With children, constant supervision is key:
• If you have a backyard pool, secure it with appropriate barriers. Many children who drown in home pools were out of sight for less than five minutes and in the care of one or both parents at the time.
• 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.
• Avoid distractions when supervising children around water.
• If a child is missing, check the water first. Seconds count in preventing death or disability.
As for beach safety, swimming in the ocean takes different skills, and it is important learn how to swim in the surf.
Some tips include:
• Swim only at a lifeguard-protected beach, within the designated swimming area.
• Obey all instructions and orders from lifeguards.
• Stay clear of piers and be aware of fishermen and other hazards on the shore where you are swimming
• Stay alert and check the local weather conditions.
• Swim sober and make sure that you never swim alone.
• Be aware of tides, conditions and rip tides-if you are caught in a rip tide, make sure to swim parallel to shore until free of the rip then make your way to shore.To get in touch with Dr. Campbell, you can head to his website, Facebook page or message him on Twitter. If there’s a topic you’d like to see Dr. Campbell cover, let us know by sending an email to newstips@wncn.com.
