Be Safe in the Water and When Boating This Summer

Enjoying swimming, boating and other activities around water are great summertime pastimes. Staying safe when in the water or on your boat takes some common sense and following some basic guidelines.

Water Safety Tips
The four major causes of drowning are (1) not wearing a life jacket, (2) abuse of alcohol, (3) lack of sufficient swimming skills, and (4) hypothermia.  For people between the ages of 5 and 24, drowning is the second leading cause of accidental death.

Most water-related accidents can be avoided by following a few simple water safety tips.

Learn to swim … swimming instructions are available to people of all ages.  

Buddy up … even experienced swimmers can become tired or get muscle cramps. Always swim with a partner.

Keep an eye on children … always have young children within reach when near water.  Stay off your phone, limit conversation and designate a water watcher.

Know your limits … weaker swimmers should not go in water over their head. Better swimmers should keep an eye on friends and when tired suggest taking a break.

Swim in safe areas only … ideally swim only in places that are supervised by a lifeguard.  Even experienced swimmers can get into trouble when swimming in unfamiliar water.

Be careful where you dive … Severe spinal cord and head injuries can result from diving into shallow water.  Dive only in areas that are known to be safe and heed all “No Diving” or “No Swimming” signs.

Getting too cool … hypothermia can set in when staying in very cool water for long periods. If you feel your body start to shiver or your muscles cramp up, get out of the water right away.

Alcohol and water never mix … Alcohol is involved in numerous water-related accidents and up to half of all water-related deaths. One half of all adolescent male drownings are tied to alcohol use.

Be prepared for emergencies … learn some life-saving skills, such as CPR and rescue techniques. Classes for both beginning and experienced swimmers and boaters are available.

Common Sense and Courtesy
With a little common sense and courtesy to others your excursions to the pool, lake or beach can be fun, safe and, hopefully, relaxing.

The Mitchell Agency can help insure boats, jet skis, summer homes and their possessions. Just give us a call at 765-742-1135.