The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) says 41 percent of kids between 7 and 17 years old and 17.4 percent of adults swim recreationally at least six times annually. It cites swimming as the third most popular sports activity in America. It is fun and a good form of exercise, but it does have some dangers. You can protect yourself if you remember important swimming safety information.
Alertness
Safe swimming requires you to be fully alert. Do not enter the water if you are under the influence of alcohol or drugs or impaired in any other way. Never swim alone, even if you are fully alert, because you could get in unexpected trouble. Swim with other people, and preferably near a lifeguard. Read all warning signs and be aware of your surroundings, including the water depth. You can seriously injure yourself by diving into shallow water.
Environment
Stay safe in a pool environment, even when you are not in the water, by wearing water shoes or watching where you walk. Broken glass or other harmful objects may sometimes be found around swimming pools or on the beach. Don't run around a pool, the CDC warns, because it may be damp and slippery, and you could injure yourself in a fall.
Children
The CDC warns against letting young children swim unattended or leaving them by themselves near a pool, lake or other body of water because they can drown in seconds. Do not depend on flotation devices such as pool rings or water wings to protect them as these are not approved life-saving equipment. Use a Coast Guard-approved life jacket for proper protection of children who cannot swim, the Nemours children's hospital network recommends.
Sun
Swimming is usually done outdoors in sunny environments. The CDC points out that proper protection from the sun's rays is an important part of swimming safety. Sunburns can be very painful, and they can make you more prone to develop skin cancer if they happen repeatedly. Keep your skin safe by using sunscreen of at least 15 SPF and with both UVA and UVB protection, the CDC recommends. It should be re-applied after swimming even if it is supposed to be waterproof.
Illness
The CDC warns that swimmers can contract certain illnesses from swimming in contaminated water or not taking proper precautions. This can happen in lakes or in swimming pools that are not maintained properly. Common problems include respiratory illness, wound infections, and ear and eye problems. Swimmers can also contract gastrointestinal conditions from bacteria in the water. Swim in pools with monitored chemical levels and properly working equipment. Take youngsters for frequent restroom breaks and use swim diapers on babies. Don't change them near the pool. Don't let water get into your nose, ears or mouth, especially if you are swimming in a lake, ocean or other natural body of water.
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