Swimming Safety

“Time to hit the pool,” you say, eyeing the pristine blue surface of the newly opened pool. 

“You need to wait,” your friend says. “You just downed that cheeseburger. You’re not supposed to go swimming for least an hour.”

When it comes to swimming, that’s about the only safety tip most of us remember. And sadly, that’s one safety tip that’s been disproven. Here are some that actually work so you can enjoy your sun and fun:

Bring some company.  Swimming with a friend is not only more fun, it’s safer. Don’t allow anyone to swim alone.

Stay hydrated.  Even though you’re surrounded by tons of wet water, you can dehydrate quickly in the sun and surf.

Spit it out!  The fresh water you’re swimming in might not be so fresh and could contain harmful bacteria if ingested. Pool water is full of chlorine and other chemicals

Check the water depth.  The American Red Cross recommends 9 feet as a minimum depth for diving or jumping.

Protect your skin.  Even if you’re not the type to burn readily, limit the amount of direct sunlight you receive between 10:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. and wear sunscreen with a protection factor of at least 15.

Look for lifeguards.  And no, not because you’re afraid they’ll come around to spoil your fun. Lifeguards are your last and best line of defense if something goes wrong.

With a little common sense safety, you can enjoy swimming all summer. So grab your towel and your sun block and dive right in!