4th Of July Lake Swimming
Suzy Balderston Jun 27, 2019
Weekend at the lake?! With the Fourth of July approaching and it being an extra hot weekend, we know that most people’s first thought is to get in the water! Whether it be in a pool, a lake or the ocean, everyone wants in. Holidays in the heat bring out a lot of people to the lakes, check out these lake and river swimming safety tips from American Red Cross before you go in the water.
Be Aware of Hazards & Weather
Being water competent in natural water requires additional knowledge and skills than in the pool. Whenever you are near a lake, river, stream or other natural water environments, watch and prepare for:
- Unexpected changes in air or water temperature.
- Thunder & lightning.
- Leave the water immediately.
- Stay inside an enclosed area for at least 30 minutes after the last thunderclap.
- If outside, avoid open areas, tall, isolated trees and metal objects.1
- Fast-moving currents, waves, and rapids, even in shallow water.
- Hazards, such as dams, underwater obstacles, or rocks and debris.
- Vegetation, animals, and fish.
- Drop-offs that can unexpectedly change water depth.
- Other people’s activities in the same waters, such as boating.
Establish and Enforce Rules and Safe Behaviors
- Enter the water feet first for your safety!
- Always enter unknown or shallow water cautiously.
- Dive only in water clearly marked as safe for diving, at least 9 feet deep with no underwater obstacles.
- Do not enter the water from a height, such as a bridge or a boat.
- Be careful when standing to prevent being knocked over by currents or waves.
- Swim sober.
- Supervise others sober and without distractions, such as reading or talking on or using a cell phone.
- Swim with a buddy.
Take These Water Safety Steps
Employ layers of protection including barriers to prevent access to water, life jackets, and close supervision of children to prevent drowning.
Ensure every member of your family learns to swim so they at least achieve skills of water competency: able to enter the water, get a breath, stay afloat, change position, swim a distance then get out of the water safely.
Know what to do in a water emergency – including how to help someone in trouble in the water safely, call for emergency help and CPR.
