May is Water Safety Month, a time to remind ourselves of the importance of staying safe in and around water. As the weather heats up and pools open for the summer, it's crucial to teach children how to be safe.
Water activities can be fun, but it’s important to remember that water can also be dangerous. According to the World Health Organization, drowning is the third leading cause of unintentional injury deaths worldwide, with over 320,000 deaths every year.
To help promote water safety, Howey from Houston Swim Club wants to remind parents of a few essential safety tips. Howey is an expert in water safety, and he's here to teach young swimmers how to stay safe in the water.
Throw don’t go! Throw a floating object to someone in trouble. If you see someone struggling in the water, don't jump in to help them. Instead, throw them a life ring or another floatation device. This will help keep them afloat until a lifeguard or other trained professional can assist them.
Always swim with a buddy Howey knows that it's never a good idea to swim alone. Swimming with a buddy means that you have someone to watch out for you, and you can watch out for them too. Even if you're a strong swimmer, accidents can still happen, even to adults!
Obey the pool rules Whether you're swimming in a pool or the ocean, it's essential to follow the rules. These rules are in place to keep you and other swimmers safe. Some of the most important rules to follow include:
Water safety is no joke, and it's crucial to take it seriously. By following these tips and always staying aware of your surroundings, you can help prevent accidents and keep yourself and others safe in the water.
In addition to Howey's tips, there are other ways to stay safe in the water, such as wearing a life jacket when boating, learning how to swim, and taking CPR and first aid classes. By taking these extra steps, you can ensure that you're always prepared to handle any situation that may arise this summer.
Next time you are at swim class, stop by our Water Safety booth! You can learn more tips, grab some fun coloring pages, and even practice putting on lifejackets.
Remember, water safety is everyone's responsibility. Let's work together to keep ourselves and each other safe this Water Safety Month and all year round.
Written by Howey the Dolphin, Water Safety Expert, Houston Swim Club
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