5 Ways to Practice Water Safety

1. Learn to Swim

Both adults and children without swimming experience should participate in a swimming class to learn basic water-survival skills. Drowning can occur in shallow water, and inexperienced swimmers can fall into a false sense of security if the water they're in isn't deep. Before venturing into the water, swimmers should know how to float and swim a basic stroke that can effectively get them to safety. Many introductory swim classes teach students how to float while fully clothed. Swim classes are recommended for anyone who spends time around water, even if he has no intention of ever getting wet.

2. Protect Yourself

Inexperienced swimmers should have a flotation device with them at all times when swimming in pools and wear life jackets in lakes, rivers, the ocean and other bodies of water. Experienced waterskiers, wakeboarders and other water athletes should wear a life jacket and a helmet if their sport involves high speeds. Inexperienced athletes should take these safety precautions at all times. A raised orange flag on a boat indicates a person is in the water nearby.

3. Look Around

Be aware of your surroundings. Read all the posted signs and notices. These notices inform you if there is a lifeguard on duty, the waters are at high tide or there have been recent shark sightings. If you're an inexperienced swimmer, stayclose to the lifeguard stations. Look for potential dangers, such as deep areas of water, strong waves and sharp rocks. Unless the area is designated for diving, always enter the water feet first, especially if you're unsure of the water's depth.

4. No Drinking and Diving

Never drink alcohol if you're operating a boat, swimming or diving. Operating a boat under the influence is just as dangerous as driving a car while intoxicated. Alcohol reduces the body's ability to stay warm and impairs coordination and balance. Being under the influence of alcohol could also cause you to take risks you wouldn't normally take.

5. Grab a Buddy

Never go swimming alone, especially at night. If you're with a large group, assign everyone a buddy. The buddies should stay near each other in the water and keep each other in sight at all times. Match buddies with similar swimming abilities, and set rules based on those abilities, such as requiring that inexperienced swimmers remain in water that is only waist deep.