With summer upon us, many will be spending time around lakes and taking trips to the ocean to enjoy a refreshing dip. But safety needs to be the top priority, especially if you’re taking a trip with the grandkids. Fun in the sun and water makes for great memories, but it’s key to do so safely.
Onondaga Center for Rehabilitation and Nursing has three dos and three don’ts when it comes to swimming in the open water.
3 Swimming Dos
- If you’re going to the beach with kids or grandkids, make sure that you know how to swim and that you have done so recently. There may not be lifeguards in the area, and you don’t want to find out at the wrong time that your skills have diminished.
- Consider using Coast Guard-approved life jackets to help with floatation if you or someone you are with are not a strong swimmer.
- Do be aware of any posted advisories before swimming. This includes warnings about the weather or the currents on that day.
3 Swimming Don’ts
- Don’t enter unfamiliar water any other way but feet first. Do not dive into shallow water or if you don’t know the depth of the water.
- Don’t try to rescue someone by yourself in deep water, as you may not know what perils the person is facing. Always try to swim in the presence of a lifeguard in the open water.
- Don’t swallow water from a lake, river, or ocean and keep sand away from your and kids’ mouths, as ingesting this water and sand can make you sick. Make sure that you also completely cover any wounds with a waterproof bandage before swimming.
To learn more about Onondaga Center for Rehabilitation and Nursing and all of the services they offer, visit http://onondaga-center.facilities.centershealthcare.org.
