Displaying items by tag: prevent drowning

Tips for people of all ages to stay safe in and around water

As the summer season heats up, one of the first things we think about is cooling off in the water. Water is refreshing and fun, but it’s essential to know how to stay safe in and around water to prevent accidental drownings.

Drowning is swift and silent — there may be little splashing or cries for help. It can take as few as 20 seconds to sink below the water and only minutes to drown whether around a pond, lake, river, ocean, or pool. Learn how you can keep your family, especially children, safe and prevent drownings with these water safety tips from Mass.gov.

Learn to swim and be prepared for an emergency

• Learn how to swim. If you can’t swim or aren’t a strong swimmer, keep to shallow areas or use a U.S. Coast Guard-approved life jacket.
• Swim with a buddy and never alone, even if you’re a strong swimmer.
• Learn CPR. The American Red Cross offers a wide selection of CPR/AED, first aid, lifeguarding, swimming and water safety, caregiving, disaster response, and emergency preparedness training. Find information on CPR classes.
• Keep a cellphone nearby and know where you are in case you need to call for help.