How to keep safe in the water (Tips from a Lifeguard)

Here are some tips from a lifeguard on how to keep safe in the water because playing in the water is fun for the whole family and a great way to beat the summer heat but if can be dangerous. I have been lifeguarding for 4 years at swimming pools and lakes and have compiled this advice for staying safe in the water.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

1. Keep safe in the water and remember to always obey the lifeguards
   
   Children have different comfort levels when it comes to how deep in the water they will go. Some won't go past their knees while others are diving under water. This sense of security depends on the child's personality but it also depends on their exposure to the water. Its important to realize that parents directly develop their children's comfort levels in and around water.

2. 
    
   Example of water wings

   Do not let young children use water wings. They are not approved by the U.S. coastguard and can be very dangerous. Water wings are prone to slip off a child's arm leaving them in a dangerous situation. Children who wear water wings can develop a false sense of security in the water and could possibly enter water over their head because they think they can "swim"

3. Do not allow children to use any kind of toy as a flotation device even if they are not in deep water. Kickboards are probably the best example of a toy that is used as a flotation device. When a non-swimmer uses a kickboard as flotation they are putting a lot of weight on them, this can result in the kickboard shooting away out of their reach.

4. 
    

   The best way to help children be safe in the water is to be with them in water where they can touch the bottom and to emphasize the importance of staying out of the deep water. In my opinion teaching a child to swim is a must so that they can at least stay afloat for a short while in an emergency situation.

5. Life Jackets that are Coast Guard approved (it will say right on the jacket if it is approved) should be used if non-swimmers are going into water over their head in depth. However once again as a lifeguard I recommend that anyone who cannot swim should not go in water over their head, because if they do they will begin to develop a comfort with being in deep water which could lead them into an unsafe situation in the future.

6. Please rate and comment if this article was helpful to you, and if you would like further information on water safety or have any questions on how to keep children safe in the water feel free to email me at [e-mail]

[cmoon]

on 7/2/2009 Step 7) Don't pee in the pool