Often, Summer activities involve water sports orswimming, so this year, take some extra steps to ensure you and your family are practicing water safety and reducing your risk of danger:
- Wear life jackets for boating and while swimming in lakes, rivers, or the ocean.
- Know how to swim and teach your children to swim.
- Be aware that inner tubes and play rafts are not flotation devices. Life jackets are the only flotation aid you can rely on.
- Swim lessons for children four years old and over.
- Never leave children unattended around water, no matter what their swimming skill level.
- In public pools and beaches, children should swim only when lifeguards are on duty or if an experienced swimmer is watching.
- To avoid accidental falls, be sure to cover your pool or spa when not in use. All pools should be fenced.
- Know the rules of boating safety. Visit thePennsylvania Fish and Boat Commissionwebsite for additional information regarding safety and rules.
- Ponds, five-gallon buckets, and wading pools are also potential drowning hazards for children. Empty water from buckets and wading pools, and always make sure children are supervised around water.
- Learn CPR.
With these safety practices and suggestions in mind, you can “Play It Safe” this Summer!