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Summer Safety Tips

Summer is obviously the best season to be on the water for many people. Swimming, sailing, wind surfing, canoeing, rowing, and water skiing are just a few activities people are going to be enjoying over the summer. However, many people do not have sufficient knowledge about the safety precautions of these activities while they are enjoying them. Make sure you stay safe while you're having fun this summer by following a few basic Summer safety tips.

Swimming

Swimming is one of the most common, and frequently enjoyed, activities on the water every Summer. It's enjoyed by people of all ages, all around the world, in a number of different settings. From the local watering hole, to the vast oceans, here are some Summer safety tips for this swimming season.

Lakes, Oceans, and Beaches

Make a positive effort to learn swimming. Learn to swim well in a swimming pool before tackling waves and tides in the sea.
If you cannot swim, don't go further than waist-deep.
If your children cannot swim, stay with them at all times in or near water.
Do not over eat prior to swimming. Allow at least an hour after a meal before swimming. Don't swim after consuming alcohol. Also refrain from swimming on an empty stomach.
Never swim alone. If you are on an unfamiliar beach, request information about the conditions and possible danger areas and observe the red flag warning if hoisted.
If you are swimming with friends, tell them where you will be swimming so that they can watch out for your safety.
Don't hesitate to shout for help if in trouble.

In Swimming Pools

Swim only where and when authorized to do so.
Don't swim below diving boards as someone may land on your head.
Check areas where the depth of the pool changes suddenly.
Don't use a mask or fins in the pool. Save them for the beach.
Don't run near the edge of the pool as you can slip and hurt someone or yourself.

On Beaches

Beware of waves - they can flip you over and possibly injure you.
Headlands and rocky areas can quickly be surrounded by fast-moving tides and at some beaches the water depth can increase suddenly.
Look for and avoid strong currents, they can drag you away from shore or onto rocks. If a current takes hold of you, don't try to swim against it - you will quickly exhaust yourself. Try to swim across a current into calmer water, and above all, keep calm. Panic is your worst enemy.

Boating

Boating is a favorite Summer activity of many around the world. Boating can be dangerous if the proper safety precautions aren't taken. From the second you to leave your boat lift to the moment you dock for the night, you need to be aware of the dangers of boating. Below you will find some great Summer safety tips to help you stay safe on your boating adventures.

Listen carefully to the weather forecast prior to leaving your boat lift. It is not suitable to take small boats out under circumstances of strong winds, heavy rain and thunderstorms.
Check the wind where you will be sailing to ensure that it will not blow you away from the shore if you get into difficulty.
Do not go boating on your own. Go with a group and try to make sure that you have at least one experienced person with you.
Always wear a lifejacket or buoyancy aid. If you are not a strong swimmer, always wear a lifejacket in preference to a buoyancy aid.
Always plan to be off the water before dark.
Watch weather and tide conditions for changes.
Don't drink and drive. This applies every bit as much to the open water as it does the roads.
Protect against heat stroke and dehydration in hot summer weather.

Canoeing

Canoeing can be great fun for anyone during the Summer season. As with any activity on the water, there are inherent dangers, however they can be largely negated by proper safety precautions. Check out the Summer safety tips below for an idea of what you should be doing to stay safe while canoeing.

Always wear a lifejacket prior to leaving your canoe boat lift
Don't show off or be careless about safety.
Listen to the leader and don't overestimate your skill or experience.
Never canoe alone.
Plan carefully and leave your route and schedule with a responsible person or local authorities. Report in when you return.
Practice capsize drills, deep water rescue, and beaching.