American Red Cross
Red Cross Water Safety programs and Swim App can help reduce drownings
The American Red Cross is stressing the importance of constant, active adult supervision, along with ensuring that everyone learns to swim, as critical layers of protection to help prevent drowning.
Unfortunately, tragic events where children and adults lose their lives to drowning occur all too often.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, about 10 people die from unintentional drowning every day.
“Drowning can occur quickly and silently, wherever there is water,” said Vanessa Valdez, Regional Communications Manager.
“Everyone should have basic water safety knowledge and skills to help them be safer and make good choices around the water.”
WATER SAFETY TIPS
The following tips are layers of protection that will help people stay safe in, on and around the water:
Do your part, be water smart! Ensure that everyone in the family learns to swim well.
Adults: actively supervise children; stay within arm’s reach of young children and newer swimmers.
And kids: follow the rules.
Don’t fool with a pool: fence it in. Enclose your pool and spa with four-sided, four-foot fencing and use self-closing, self-latching gates.
Don’t just pack it; wear your U.S. Coast Guard-approved life jacket – always when on a boat and if in a situation beyond your skill level.
Inflatable children’s toys and water wings can be fun, but they are no substitute for a life jacket and adult supervision.
Swim as a pair near a lifeguard’s chair - everyone, including experienced swimmers, should swim with a buddy in areas protected by lifeguards.