Water Safety Tips

Swimming is one of the most popular summer activities in the Lowcountry. The best thing you can do is make sure everyone in your family learns how to swim. Even if you do not plan on swimming, be cautious around natural bodies of water such as the ocean, lakes, ponds, and lagoons. Here are some tips for staying safe around water.

Swimmers

Since most drowning victims had no intention of being in the water and most people drown within 10-30 feet of safety, it is important to know how to swim. Never rely on float toys to stay afloat.

Don't take chances overestimating your swimming skills. Swim only in designated areas and never swim alone. No one can anticipate changing ocean currents, riptides, sudden storms or other hidden dangers.

Riptide

A riptide is an ocean current that has nothing to do with the tides. A rip current happens as water that's built up on shore returns to the ocean (all those waves need to go somewhere!). Rip currents are often found near fixed objects, like piers and reefs, which is why these are "no swimming" areas. If you swim into a rip current (you'll feel it pulling you out to sea), don't panic. Swim parallel to shore until you feel the pull stop. You can then swim back to shore.

Learn about Rip Current Awareness

Divers

Be careful about diving. Teens are more likely than any other age group to suffer diving injuries, many of which can result in permanent spinal cord damage or death. Only dive in areas that are known to be safe for diving, such as the deep end of a supervised pool. A "No Diving" sign means that the water isn't safe for a head-first entry.

Watch Children

Each year, about 200 children drown, and several thousand more are treated in hospitals for submersion accidents. These accidents that leave children with permanent brain damage and respiratory health problems. Remember, it only takes a few seconds for a small child to wander off. Children are naturally curious and are often attracted to water.

Surviving in Cold Water

Hypothermia is a condition that occurs when the body loses heat faster than it can produce it. This can lead to violent shivering, confusion and a loss of body movement. Hypothermia can happen if you fall into cold water at any time of year. Here are some important tips to remember:

• Do not remove your clothing. Clothing layers provide some warmth, including shoes and hats.
• Always wear your life jacket! It helps hold heat in the core areas of your body.

No Acohol

Many people ignore alcohol warnings, and each year, about 3,000 of them drown as a result. Over half of all drowning victims had consumed alcohol before their accidents. Even one beer can impair your balance, vision, judgment, and reaction time, making you a danger to yourself and others.