Before Taking the Big Splash, Be Sure You Know the Basic Rules of Water Safety
News Release: July 9, 2004
Contact: Janice Osborne, Director-Communications and Marketing
(610) 865-4400, ext. 262
Jumping into a swimming pool to keep cool on a hot summer day is something every kid – from age 1 to 91! – looks forward to, and now that summer is in full swing the American Red Cross encourages residents to play it safe in and around the water.
“Most water tragedies can be prevented, if everyone remembers the basic rules of water safety,” Joy Zukauskas, director of health and safety services for the local Red Cross, advises. “The number one thing families can do to stay safe in and around the water is to make sure that every family member learns to swim and learns to swim well.
“When signing up for swimming lessons, be sure to ask your local pool or aquatics facility if the swimming teacher is a current Red Cross-trained water safety instructor. These individuals are trained specifically to teach not only fundamental water skills, but also proper stroke development and swimming proficiency.”
Other basic water safety tips include:
• Outfit everyone with the proper gear. Kids – and even adults – who are not strong swimmers or who appear to rely on inflatable toys for safety should use U.S. Coast Guard approved personal flotation devices (PFDs) whenever they are in or around the water. “This lifesaving lightweight plastic equipment when used properly can help save lives,” says Zukauskas. Everyone, including strong swimmers, should use an approved PFD when boating. Each person should have the appropriate personal flotation device for his or her weight and size, which is found clearly marked inside the label near the Coast Guard stamp. “A great idea is to make a family day out of learning the rules of water safety and shopping for durable safety equipment together at a local pool supply store or mass distributor,” Zukauskas suggests.
• Always keep basic lifesaving equipment by the residential pool and know how to use it. A first aid kit, cordless phone, phone list with emergency contact information, a reaching pole and a ring buoy with a nylon line attached are recommended. First aid kits should contain plastic face shields, which can help prevent disease transmission. Cordless phones allow you to make that 911 call and to receive calls without leaving the area.
“Plastic makes the ring buoy so light even a child can save a life if the need arises,” points out Zukauskas. “These items coupled with a pool emergency action plan – similar to a fire drill – help the whole family breathe a little easier.”
In addition, the Red Cross recommends that pools be surrounded on all sides by a fence that is at least 4 feet high. It should not provide any footholds, which would allow a child to climb over or spacing to climb through. The fence should have a self-closing, self-locking gate that is locked when the pool is not in use.
• Pack a “safety” bag for a day at the beach or lake. The properly packed safety bag will help ensure a fun day in which everyone comes home safe and sound. Water-proof sunscreen with an SPF 15 or higher, water shoes to keep feet safe from the heat and sharp
objects on land and plenty of water are musts. All containers should be plastic to prevent injuries from breaking glass. Also, a hat and sunglasses keep eyes safe from dangerous UV rays.
• Learn Red Cross first aid and CPR. “While the above tips can help prevent emergencies, it is important to know what to do if a situation arises,” says Zukauskas. And all caregivers, including grandparents, older siblings and babysitters should have these lifesaving skills.
For more information on staying safe in and around the water or enrolling your child in swimming lessons, contact the American Red Cross of the Greater Lehigh Valley at (610) 865-4400, ext. 247 to be directed to the closest Red Cross aquatics program in your area.
The American Red Cross of the Greater Lehigh Valley serves more than 660,000 residents in Lehigh, Northampton and Carbon counties. Last year the Red Cross provided health and safety education training and emergency relief services to more than 20,000 Greater Lehigh Valley residents. For more information about Red Cross programs and services and volunteer opportunities, call (610) 865-4400.
