Be RedCrossReady

Swimming Safely in Lakes, Rivers and Streams

How Do I Prepare? What Do I Do

at the Waterfront?

How Do I Respond?

Swimming in lakes, rivers and streams

can be safe at designated swimming areas

that are protected by lifeguards.

Swimming in a natural body of water is

different from swimming in a pool. More

skills and energy are required for natural

water environments because of cold

water and air temperatures, currents,

waves and other conditions—and these

conditions can change due to weather.

For more information on recreational water illnesses, visit the Centers for Disease Control and

Prevention Web site at cdc.gov/healthyswimming. For more information on learn-to-swim, water

safety and other Red Cross courses, contact your local Red Cross chapter or visit RedCross.org.

Practice Water Safety.

❏ Ensure that everyone in your family

learns to swim well by enrolling them in

age-appropriate learn-to-swim courses.

❏ Swim only in areas that are designated

for swimming with buoys and ropes and

are supervised by lifeguards.

❏ Keep children under constant active

supervision and remain free from

distractions. Ensure that inexperienced

swimmers stay within arm’s reach.

❏ Have weak swimmers wear U.S. Coast

Guard-approved life jackets whenever

they are in, on or around water. Do not

rely upon water wings or inflatable toys;

they can enable swimmers to go beyond

their ability or suddenly deflate, which

could lead to a drowning situation.

Set and Enforce Rules.

❏ Always swim with a buddy.

❏ Always enter unknown or shallow water

cautiously, feet first.

❏ Dive only in water clearly marked as

safe for diving. Diving areas should be

at least 9 feet deep with no underwater

obstacles.

❏ Do not enter the water from a height,

such as a tree, ledge or bridge.

❏ Be careful when standing to prevent

being knocked over by currents or

waves.

❏ Do not use alcohol and/or drugs before

or while swimming, diving or

supervising swimmers.

Prevent Recreational Water

Illnesses.

Natural water can become contaminated

from sewage, animal waste and water

runoff following rainfall. Swimming or

playing in unsafe water may result in

illnesses. It is important to:

❏ Avoid swallowing the water.

❏ Contact your state or local health

departmentfor results of water testing in

your area.

❏ Avoid swimming after rainfalls or in

areas identified as unsafe by health

departments.

Copyright © 2010 by the American National Red Cross Stock No. 651326

Know How to Respond in an

Emergency.

❏ If a child is missing, always check the water

first! Seconds count in preventing death or

disability from drowning.

❏ If present, always alert the lifeguard in the

event of an emergency.

❏ Know how and when to call 9-1-1 or the local

emergency number.

❏ Learn how to respond to aquatic and other

emergencies by taking Red Cross first aid,

CPR and water safety courses.

❏ Have appropriate equipment, such as

reaching or throwing equipment, a cell

phone, life jackets and a first aid kit.

If Someone Is in Trouble in the Water:

❏ Reach out to the person using any available

object that will extend your reach, such as a

pole, an oar, a tree branch, a belt or a towel.

Brace yourself to keep from losing your

balance.

❏ Throw anything that will provide the victim

support, such as a foam cooler or inner tube.

A floating object with a line attached is best

so you can pull the person to safety.

❏ If the water is shallow and calm, put on a life

jacket, wade into the water and reach toward

the person with a pole, branch, life jacket or

other object.

• Do not enter the water if a current or waves

make wading dangerous.

❏ Keep yourself safe. In most cases, only

trained professionals should enter the water

to perform a rescue.

Caution: No One Is “Drownproof.”

Participation in any swim lesson program

cannot “drownproof” your child, despite

what some may claim. No child is ever

“drownproof” or water safe.

❏ Water safety and learn-to-swim courses

should be age-appropriate.

❏ Learning to swim well takes time. Do not

expect that children will learn to swim in

one set of lessons or even in one season.

Life Jackets Are Not Just for Boating.

Many people involved in aquatic emergencies never intended to swim in the first

place. Whenever you are around water, take steps to prepare for the unexpected,

such as wearing a U.S. Coast Guard-approved life jacket, also known as a personal

floatation device (PFD). Select and use the right life jacket by:

• Checking the life jacket label for proper usage and sizing and to be sure that it is

U.S. Coast Guard approved.

• Making sure each life jacket fits its intended user.

• Checking buckles and straps for proper function. Discard any life jacket with torn

fabric or straps that have pulled loose.

• Making sure everyone tests swimming in a life jacket in a swimming pool.

Be Aware of Water and Weather

Conditions.

Whenever you are near a natural water

environment, look out for:

❏ Unexpected changes in air or water

temperature.

❏ Fast-moving currents, waves and rapids,

even in shallow water.

❏ Hazards, such as dams, underwater

obstacles, or rocks or debris moving on

the surface or along the bottom of the

water.

❏ Aquatic life, such as vegetation that could

entangle feet or animals that live in, on or

around the water.

❏ Sudden drop-offs that change water depth.

❏ Other people’s activities in the same

waters, such as boating.

Make Smart Choices.

Planning ahead and staying informed can

help keep everyone in your group safe.

Remember to:

❏ Be aware of the potential hazards of the

area you are visiting and take appropriate

precautions.

❏ Check water and weather conditions

before your trip and frequently during

your stay.

• Watch for signs of severe weather and

leave the water at the first indication of

thunder and lightning. In the event of an

electrical storm, stay inside an enclosed

area for at least 30 minutes after the last

thunder clap. If outside, avoid open

areas, tall, isolated trees or metal objects.*

❏ Know the abilities of those going with

you, including swimming abilities and

level of supervision required. Be sure to

provide appropriate supervision.

*Source: National Weather Service