General Water Safety Tips


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Observing a few water safety tips can insure a safe swimming season.

Illness tips:

  • NEVER swim in stagnant water, or water that looks 'polluted'
  • Take "No Swimming" signs seriously
  • Avoid swallowing water when swimming
  • Avoid getting water into your nose when swimming, especially during periods of high temperatures
  • Use ear plugs and swim goggles, or a mask, if you tend to get ear, or eye infections after swimming
  • NEVER allow a child to swim in a chlorinated pool or natural water source while ill with diarrhea – even while wearing disposable swim pants or plastic diaper covers
  • Children with other illnesses (fever, vomiting, etc.) should also stay home
  • NEVER drink, or cook with, untreated water from a natural water source
  • Do not swim in ponds or lakes that are actively used by livestock

Injury tips:

  • NEVER dive into shallow water, or water where the bottom is not visible
  • NEVER use alcohol or drugs while swimming or boating
  • NEVER leave children unattended near a water source for even SECONDS at a time
  • NEVER swim alone, no matter how good a swimmer you are
  • Drink at least one cup of water (8 oz) every 30 minutes
  • Avoid alcoholic and caffeinated beverages because these are dehydrating
  • Limit time spent in the sun between 10:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m.
  • Children and adults should use a sunscreen with an SPF of 15 or higher as per label directions
  • Do not attempt to jump in and save a drowning victim unless certified in lifesaving
  • Try to reach the victim with anything they can hold on to that can be used to pull them to shore
  • Throw anything to the victim that will float and that can be hung on to until rescue is made
  • Get out of the water and move well away from any water source before, or during, a thunderstorm of any size
  • Wear eye protection at all times during sun exposure
  • Wear foot protection to prevent cuts and abrasions
  • Wash all cuts well with warm soap and water, apply antibiotic ointment and cover well before entering recreational waters

Related Links:

www.health.state.ok.us/program/cdd/sumsafe.html

www.swt.usace.army.mil/PAM.htm

 

 



                                       


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