In the Water: 6 Important Safety Tips for Swimming Season

By CHARLENE ARSENAULT (Patch Staff)

And we’re off to the backyard pools, lakes and beaches. Swimming season is kicking off. It’s one of the best parts of summer, but also a safety hazard.

The Center for Disease Control reported that 10 people drown each day in the United States, and that doesn’t include boating incidents. Drowning, too, is the leading cause of death for children between 1-4, according to the National Safety Council.

Amica Insurance is reminding us to keep safe, and shared the following tips from the American Red Cross to help promote safe swimming:

• Always swim with a buddy in designated areas that are supervised by lifeguards.
• Never leave a young child unattended around water, and do not trust a child’s life to another child.
• Have young children or inexperienced swimmers wear U.S. Coast Guard-approved life jackets near water.
• If you have a pool, secure it with the proper barriers to prevent children from falling in.
• If a child is missing, always check the water first. Seconds can make the difference in preventing disability or death.
• Have the appropriate accessories nearby in case of emergency. That includes reaching/throwing equipment, a cellphone, life jackets and a first-aid kit.