Summer is here! And as we prepare for summer, many of us are looking forward to enjoying various water related activities, like going to the pool, hanging out at the beach, fishing or kayaking. Every year, I write a summer article that stresses the importance of water safety, because we see alarming reports on the news about people drowning every year. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), 4000 people die from drowning in the United States every year. When it comes to children between the ages of 5 years and 19 years, drowning is the third leading cause of unintentional injury deaths. It's so very sad yet, so very preventable.
So as you have fun in the water this season, please follow these suggestions from the American Red Cross:
*Make sure everyone in your family learns to swim well;
*Learn the safety steps you should take before starting any activity in or near water;
*Know what to do in case of a water emergency;
*Watch out for the dangerous "Toos": Too tired, Too Cold, Too far from safety, Too much sun and Too much hard playing;
*Use Coast Guard approved life jackets when boating;
*Never swim alone
These are just a few tips to remember. For a complete list of suggestions on Swimming and Water Safety, go to RedCross.org
Have fun this summer and be safe!
