Stay safe around water this summer

  • Published
  • By Health Net Federal Services
RANCHO CORDOVA, Calif. --  More than 3,500 people die from unintentional drowning each year and one in five of those are children 14 and younger, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Whether you're at the pool, ocean, river, lake, or pond, play it safe this summer by using common sense and paying attention. It could save your life or the life of someone you love.

Health Net Federal Services, the managed care support contractor for the TRICARE North Region, offers the following water safety tips:

At the pool
· Enroll your child in swimming lessons taught by a certified instructor.
· Stay within an arm's reach of children and watch them at all times.
· Take your children with you if you need to leave the pool area or make sure another adult is available to watch them.
· Don't eat food or chew gum while swimming.
· Enclose pools with a 5-foot high fence to prevent access when unattended. Make sure gates self-close and self-latch, and install latches high enough to be out of reach from your child.
· Remove any toys or inflatable items in the pool when not in use so they don't tempt a
child.
· Don't run around the pool. Always walk to avoid slipping.
· Avoid drinking alcohol before swimming or when you're watching children.
· Keep radios, televisions and electrical appliances away from the pool, and don't operate them when you're wet.
· Make sure non-swimmers wear life jackets and only use pool toys in the shallow end of the pool.

At the beach
· Stay within designated swimming areas, preferably where there's a lifeguard, and don't go too far from shore.
· Pay attention to all posted warning signs.
· Be aware of currents and tides. If you get caught in a current, swim parallel to the shore until you feel the current relax, then start swimming towards shore.
· Avoid jumping off of bridges, cliffs or rocks. The water may be shallow or you may hurt yourself when you hit the water.
· Find a spot that has good visibility and is safe for swimming. Murky water, hidden underwater objects, unexpected drop-offs, and aquatic plant life are all hazards.
· Never swim alone.
· When boating or kayaking, always wear a life jacket.

For more information and wellness tips visit www.hnfs.com.