The Fidelis Care Blog

The hot summer months mean more time spent near and in the water. Water safety is important for children and adults. Here are some tips to help you safely enjoy the water:

• Always watch children while they are swimming or near water. Never leave children alone near water. A child or weak swimmer can drown in less than a minute.
• Teach children to always ask before they go in the water.
• Take swimming lessons. Make sure children have basic swimming skills like treading water and floating.
• Never swim alone. Assign children “swimming buddies” before going into the water.
• Pay attention to the weather forecast. Get out of the water at the first sign of bad weather.
• Read all posted signs. Follow posted safety rules and warnings at pools, lakes, and oceans.
• Swim as close as you can to a lifeguard. Always listen to lifeguards.
• If swimming in the ocean, be aware of rip currents. If you get caught in a rip current, swim parallel to the shore.
• Children, inexperienced swimmers, and all boaters should wear life jackets.
• Wear a life jacket while fishing, even if you don’t plan on going into the water.
• Never dive into shallow water. Never dive into water if you aren't sure if it is deep enough. Go into water feet first.
• If there is an emergency, know how to call for help.

Follow these tips to help everyone stay safe in and around the water. Have a great summer!

Does your child need health insurance?
Fidelis Care offers quality, affordable health coverage for children, including Child Health Plus. Learn more at fideliscare.org/CHPlus.

Sources

https://www.redcross.org/get-help/how-to-prepare-for-emergencies/types-of-emergencies/water-safety.html

https://www.waterparks.org/WLSL/Water_Safety.aspx