Water Safety Tips

1. Learn To Swim

1. Never Swim Alone

1. Swim Only in Safe Areas, Never Swim in a Ditch or River

1. Never Chew Gum or Eat While Swimming

1. Supervise Children and Weak Swimmers at All Times

1. Always Wear a Personal Flotation Device/Life Jacket When Boating or Near Moving Water

1. RESPECT THE WATER

1. Reach– hold on to something stable and reach with your other hand to the person in the water

1. Throw – if you cannot reach with your hand, toss things that float for the person to hold onto  

1. Row – if in a boat use oars to move the boat close to the person in the water  

1. Don’t Go– do not go into the water unless professionally trained and certified and have the necessary equipment to do so

1. Know your boat

1. Always wear a Personal Flotation Device/Life Jacket

1. Don’t stand while boat is moving

1. Make sure there is an experienced adult operating the boat

1. Don’t get on the boat if the operator has been drinking alcohol

1. Check the weather prior to departing

1. Carry a cell phone in a waterproof container (can be as simple as placing phone in a heavy duty zip lock bag and using duct tape to seal it).

1. Let someone know where you are going and when you will return, and stick to that plan

1. If floating a river, use a professional guide and raft

1. A river is moving faster than it appears, strong currents and undertows can make it impossible to swim effectively, even in shallow water

1. A river can have many hidden dangers beneath the surface that can trap or severely injure you. Some of these dangers include: cars, glass, trees, debris, sharp metal objects, barb wire, etc.

1. Hypothermia: water dissipates heat away from the body 20 times faster than air, even in the summer time, extended exposure to the water can be dangerous.

1. If caught in a current, float on your back traveling downstream feet first, angle your body towards shore (45 degree angle)

1. Video Moving Water, Adventure or Danger?  

1. Pay close attention to weather and news alerts

1. Don’t try to drive across flooded roads, water can stall a vehicle and waters can rise extremely fast putting the driver and passengers at risk. Swift water can easily move a car.

1. If in immediate danger of flood water, move to higher ground ASAP.

1. Do not play in or drink flood water, flood water is contaminated with numerous health hazards

1. If aware that a flood is coming, be prepared, have plenty of food, bottled water, radio, flashlights, batteries, and clothes

http://www.oceanrescue.com/page2.html

 

 

On page 1 several sites were given to learn about basic water rescue. After researching water rescue identify and describe the critical elements of basic water rescue. Include an evaluation of safety considerations, physical strength, movement etc. You may research other websites if you would like but please include an alternative sites.