Summer Time is Water Fun Time - With Caution

First posted on 06-04-2010

When the temperatures rise during the hot Arkansas summer, pools, creeks and lakes become very attractive, but they can also be dangerous.

According to the federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, there were 3,579 drownings in 2006, the latest statistics available. More than one-fourth of all the fatalities involved children under 14.

Dr. Margaret Harris, assistant professor-health with the University of Arkansas Division of Agriculture, said parents and children should heed some safety basics when spending time at the pool or the beach.

“Learning to swim sounds like a no-brainer, but many people can get in over their heads and not know how to float or swim out of a bad situation,” Harris said. “The best way to stay safe is to learn to swim - this includes grown-ups and kids.”

♦ Other rules for water safety include:

♦ Never swim alone. Always swim with a buddy.

♦ Don’t dive into unknown water or shallow breaking waves.

♦ Wear a life jacket if you can’t swim or if you are just learning to swim.

♦ Swim in a designated area and make sure an adult watches you.

At the pool:

♦ Don’t run around the pool edge. The surfaces are slick and could lead to a fall.

♦ Don’t dunk people. It can lead to an injury.

♦ If you are allowed to use equipment, be careful with it.

♦ Don’t jump into the pool without checking the target area first. Jumping on someone can cause serious injuries.

♦ Never throw someone. It can result in head or other injuries.

♦ Obey all swimming pool rules.

♦ Obey all lifeguards on duty.

In open water:

♦ Never swim if danger flags are flying

♦ Check whether the tide is going in or out.

♦ Don’t swim near piers or breakwaters.

♦ Stay clear of boats. They take time to change direction, and they may not see you.

♦ Swim parallel to the shore.

For more information on water safety visit http://www.kidsarus.org/kids_go4it/safety/water/.

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