PR: Red Cross Water Safety Tips to Live By

Summer in the Pacific Northwest is always a great time for children and parents to enjoy outdoor activities especially swimming at local pools, lakes, rivers, and beaches.

According to studies, drowning is the second leading cause of death from unintentional injuries for youth ages 5 to 24 years old and the fourth leading cause of death from unintentional injuries for all ages. The good news is that most water tragedies can be prevented, so both parents and children need to remember to follow the basic rules of water safety.

In an effort to save lives, the American Red Cross Mount Rainier Chapter urges local families to follow these simple water safety tips when engaging in activities in or around the water and help reduce the number of drownings and injuries that may occur.

· Learn to swim and swim well. Contact the American Red Cross for information on learning how to swim.

· Never leave small children unattended near water – not even the bathtub – not even for a moment! Adults should practice “reach supervision,” which means to always be within arm’s length when a child is near water in case of emergency.

· Know when it’s too dangerous. If you or someone you are swimming with appear to be too cold, too far from safety, been exposed to too much sun, or had too much strenuous activity, it is time to head for shore or signal for help. Always wear a life jacket or vest when swimming or boating in lakes and rivers.

· Keep lifesaving gear handy. Always have a lifejacket, rope, pole or other object that can be thrown to a person in trouble. Remember to have a first aid kit, cell phone and emergency contact information by the pool.

· Eliminate temptation. Backyard pools should have self-closing, self-latching gates that remain locked when the pool is not being used. Kiddie pools should be emptied and toys removed immediately after use. Empty water pails and buckets so small children cannot fall in and drown.

· Know what you’re getting into. Check local tides, current and other condition which could be dangerous before entering open bodies of water.

· Alcohol and water does not mix. Never drink alcohol while swimming or boating.

Contact your local pool for information about swimming classes. For Red Cross first aid and CPR classes, please call your local Red Cross office or visit www.rainier-redcross.org.