Water Safety is For Everyone, Every Day, Everywhere!

The Fourth of July is a cherished holiday tradition that many people look forward to each year. With its mix of good food and time spent outdoors, it’s often seen as a perfect opportunity for families to come together. However, it also tends to bring an increase in water-related activities, making water recreation - and safety - a much needed part of the celebration

Sometimes we celebrate at home and other times we choose to travel. From a water safety perspective, there are things we can implement to ensure our families are water-safe no matter where we are.

At Home 

At home we control our “safety” environment. For example, if there is a pool at the home, ensuring there is a 4-sided isolation fence with a self-closing and latching door is there as a dependable barrier. However, visiting a relative's house or enjoying the water at a lake, one must create a new temporary “safety” environment. 

We can’t put a fence around the cousin’s pool or lake. However, we can assure our children are always wearing U.S. Coast Guard approved life jackets whenever they are near or in water. You should also ensure a designated water watcher is always in place. Their job should be to supervise those in the water and assist if needed. The water watcher must be distraction-free (no cell phones!).

At Play

When swimming in large bodies of water, especially those new to your family, it is critical for all to pay attention to posted hazard signs and warnings. You and your family should only be swimming only in designated areas. There may be potential hazards such as step-off sandbars that drop into very deep water, hidden debris and slippery rocks. 

Pro Tip: Wearing water shoes with hard bottoms can help protect feet and toes.

If swimming in the ocean, become familiar with rip currents and how to escape them. If caught in a rip current, do not try to fight against it. Swim parallel to the shore until out of the current, then swim back to shore.

Finally, be aware of any medical conditions that might increase the risk of drowning. For example, if a family member has a seizure disorder, talk with the primary care physician to develop an individualized safety plan specific to water related activities.

With proper supervision, education and appropriate safety measures, we can enjoy the holiday wherever we are, including around water!

Remember…Water Safety is For Everyone, Everyday, Everywhere! 

Visit Valley Children's Water Safety Program for more water safety tips!