Swimming Safety for Summer

With the onset of Summer comes the revival of one of America’s favorite Summertime recreations: swimming! While taking a dip on a hot afternoon can be cool and relaxing, there are always people who get sick in the process. Drowning iss a tragedy that occasionally arise during the vacation season – with 69 drownings in Tennessee alone in 2014 – and Recreational Water Illnesses, or RWI’s, see an inevitable spike in the Summer months. Thankfully, there are some simple steps you can take to ensure you and your loved ones minimize the risk of becoming ill or injured following a day of swimming. Some of these tricks are simple maintenance, while others address habits most people have developed over the years:

– wash your hands after going to the bathroom

– let children have frequent bathroom breaks

– don’t go swimming if you are already ill

– shower with soap before and after swimming

– regularly check the pH level of your pools

– properly store and use any chemicals used in your pool

To reduce risk of drownings:

– parents should be CPR-certified

– use well-maintained covers or barriers around pools

– don’t drink while swimming, particularly if monitoring children

– never assume your child/children are being watched – know where they are and if they are safe

– if swimming in the lake or off a boat at sea, always wear a lifejacket

As we progress into the fun-filled vacation months of the Summer, make sure you use these simple steps along the way: it may save your life or the life of a loved one!