.png)
WATER SAFETY
Have you heard about the Safer 3 Message? The message is based on the idea that drowning is preventable and that taking proactive steps can help keep children and adults safer in and around the water. We chose “safer” over “safe” because no one is ever completely free from drowning risk when they are enjoying the water. Here are the three steps of the Safer 3 Message:
1. Safer Water: The first step in preventing drowning is to ensure that the water is as safe as possible. This means learning how to identify those risks and reducing them for any body of water (bathtubs, pools, spas, lakes, rivers or oceans) whether you are swimming in it or not. For example, install a fence around your pool or bodies of water, use sensors on doors that exit to a pool or water source, and remember to cover all drains.
.png)
.png)
2. Safer Kids: The second step covers the behaviors necessary for both kids and parents to prevent drowning. This involves teaching children basic water safety skills, such as floating, treading water, and swimming, as well as the importance of never swimming alone or without adult supervision. Kids must learn, as young as possible, swimming and basic safety skills and always designate an adult water watcher to monitor the pool area at all times.
ENROLL TODAY! At Ocaquatics Swim School we focus on teaching water safety skills and swimming lessons while having fun.
3. Safer Response: The third and final step is to have a plan in place for responding to emergencies. This includes knowing CPR and other life-saving techniques, as well as having a phone nearby to call for emergency services if needed.
.png)
Did You Know?
Water safety education is critical in reducing water-related incidents. Participation in formal swimming lessons has been associated with an 88% reduction in the risk of drowning in children ages 1-4 according to a 2009 study from the National Institute of Child Health and Human Development.
Additional benefits of swimming lessons:
-
Provides physical exercise
-
Increases energy
-
Improves concentration
-
Helps with coordination, balance and posture
.png)
Reach or Throw and Never Go
If there is an emergency in the pool and someone is struggling to stay afloat, reach or throw something to assist them and never go into the water yourself. A person who is struggling in the water is very scared and may try to pull you down to be able to catch a breath. In an emergency like this, reach over with items such as a pool noodle, broom or paddle. You can also throw items that float like a ring buoy, ball, or kick board to the person in trouble. Always call for help when an emergency like this is occurring.
Open Water Tips
-
Wear you life jacket when boating or during any open water activity.
-
Always enter unfamiliar water feet first.
-
Always swim in designated swimming areas and check signs for potential dangers.
.png)
Don't just pack it,
wear your jacket!
