Six Tips to Keep in Mind for National Water Safety Month
May is National Water Safety Month. When the weather starts to heat up, the pools, lakes, oceans, rivers and other bodies of water start calling! While swimming can be a very enjoyable activity this summer. The Sumter Family YMCA is sharing these six tips on how children can stay safe in and around water.
Tip #1: Make sure children know to always ask permission before going in or near the water.
Teaching your children to be water smart is the first step in water safety – be sure they understand the importance of asking permission before going in or near the water.
Tip #2: Never swim alone without a water watcher.
When children are swimming, make sure they are actively supervised at all times. Teach your children that they should only swim in locations where a lifeguard is on duty, or where a responsible adult agrees to watch the children in the water without distractions.
Tip #3: Supervise your children whenever they’re in or near water.
Whether it’s bath time or taking a dip in a pool or waterfront, make sure your children are within arm’s reach at all times.
Tip #4: Don’t engage in breath holding activities.
Both adults and children should not hold their breath for a prolonged amount of time while swimming, as that can be dangerous.
Tip #5: Wear a life jacket.
Inexperienced or non-swimmers should always wear a Coast Guard-approved life jacket while in or around water.
Tip #6: Don’t jump in the water to save a friend who is struggling in deep water.
If an adult or child finds their friend in deep water unexpectedly, their natural reaction may be to jump in the water to try and save them. Even if they are a great swimmer, a panicked person will overpower them, and pull the rescuer under water. The Y’s Safety Around Water program teaches the “reach, throw, don’t go” concept of using a long object to reach for them, and pull them to safety. By using this technique, an adult or child can help their friend without compromising their safety.
Put Safety into Action
Wrap up National Water Safety Month with a SPLASH! Join us for SPLASH Day at the Sumter Family YMCA on Saturday, May 31, where fun meets safety. Families are invited to enjoy water games, pool activities, and more—all while reinforcing the importance of safe water habits. It’s a great way to put these tips into practice and kick off summer with confidence.
