RENO — Recent drownings involving swimmers, boaters and kayakers in our area are sobering reminders to northern Nevada residents of the importance of aquatics safety and preparedness.
Regardless of age, it’s imperative to know how to stay safe in the water, and how to be able to assist others who may get into trouble. Before heading out to the pool or favorite swimming spot, the Red Cross of Northern Nevada offers these important swimming safety tips:
• If possible, swim in designated areas supervised by lifeguards.
• Always swim with a buddy; do not allow anyone to swim alone.
• Never leave a young child unattended near water and do not trust a child’s life to another child; teach children to always ask permission to go near water.
• Have young children or inexperienced swimmers wear?U.S. Coast Guard-approved life jackets?around water, but do not rely on life jackets alone
• Maintain constant supervision.
• Make sure everyone in your family learns to swim well. Enroll in age-appropriate Red Cross aquatics and learn-to-swim courses
• If you have a pool, secure it with appropriate barriers and make sure there is constant supervision.
• If a child is missing, check the water first. Seconds count in preventing death or disability.
• Have appropriate equipment, such as a reaching pole or life preservers.
• Have your cell phone nearby if you need to call 911.
• Protect your skin. Limit the amount of direct sunlight you receive between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. and wear sunscreen with a protection factor of at least 15.
• Drink plenty of water regularly, even if you’re not thirsty. Avoid drinks with alcohol or caffeine in them as they will dehydrate.
• Enroll in Red Cross home pool safety,?water safety,?first aid and CPR/AED?courses to learn how to prevent and respond to emergencies.?
