|
You are here: Home
> Health Care
Tips > Water Safety Tips
Water Safety Tips
As
temperatures get warmer and the days get longer, individuals
will seek fun in the sun at lakes and pools.
In an effort to save lives, Ephraim McDowell
Health offers these tips for staying safe in and around
the water.
Swimming Safely
- Never leave a child unsupervised around water and
never swim alone.
- Know and stay within your swimming limits.
- Do not mix swimming and alcohol, which impairs your
judgment, balance and coordination and reduces your
body's ability to stay warm.
- Obey –no diving” signs when you see them.
- Do not allow yourself to become too tired or too
cold or to get too far from safety or shore.
- Swim in supervised areas only.
- When swimming after eating, make sure your food
has properly digested before getting in the water.
- When boating and fishing, always wear a life jacket
that is approved by the Coast Guard.
- Stop swimming or boating as soon as you notice a
storm approaching.
- Know how to respond to emergency situations should
they occur: CHECK the victim, CALL for help and CARE
for the person until help arrives.
Boating Safety
- Wear a life jacket when on a boat. In Kentucky,
a state law requires a life jacket to be worn by anyone
on a personal watercraft or skiing as well as all
children under 12 while the vessel is under way.
- Carry a cellular phone or marine radio tuned to
the U.S. Coast Guard channel.
- Make a float plan that details where you will launch
your boat, who is on the boat and how much time you
plan to spend on the water. Leave this float plan
with a friend or neighbor.
Skiing Safety
- Ski in open water and be alert for other boats and
skiers.
- Make sure one person on the boat Ŕ other than the
driver Ŕ watches the skier.
- Always wear a life jacket approved by the U.S. Coast
Guard.
- Avoid skiing close to shore or in shallow water
and stay out of fishing areas.
|
