Whether vacationing on a beach in San Diego, staying at a hotel with a pool, visiting relatives or friends who own pools, taking a tubing trip down a river or boating on a lake… water safety must be practiced wherever water is present!
Here are some simple water safety tips to follow when planning your next family vacation:
- Enforce the same safety rules you use at home. Take time to explain the importance of following these same rules to your children.
- Never allow children to swim unsupervised in a hotel/motel pool: Never assume someone else is watching your child.
Check out the pool before you swim:
- Is the water clean and clear?
- Where is the deep end?
- Is there a lifeguard on duty?
- Where is the rescue equipment, and how is it used?
- Where is the phone, and can you dial out directly?
When staying at a relative or friend’s home, look for possible water hazards (pools, ponds, buckets, bathtubs, toilets, dog bowls, etc.).
When boating, wear a Coast Guard approved life jacket: When planning boating events, make sure to pack a life jacket for each person. Children are required to wear a life jacket at all times in a boat in many states. Bring along other items that float such as cooler, cushions, etc.
Know what is in and under an open water area: Find out about hazards such as marine life, parasites, currents, drop-offs, very cold water, or submerged objects. Enter all unfamiliar water feet first.
If the water is shared by boats, BE VISIBLE: Have your child wear a bright colored swim cap, stay close to shore, and actively watch for boats.
Know what to do if your child falls in the river: Go downstream immediately to position yourself to help.
