Swimming is one of the most popular outdoor recreational activities, especially for children. In the United States, 41 percent of children and 17 percent of adults swim at least six times a year, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. With so many people in the water, it's important to understand and practice safe swimming.
Pay Attention to Surroundings
Safe swimming means paying attention to your surroundings. Swimming in a pool isn't the same as in the ocean or in a lake or river, so understand the safety risks associated with each. For instance, ocean swimming can put you at risk for being pulled into a riptide, so pay attention to lifeguard instructions as well as warning signs, and never go out too far into the surf. Pools may not have currents that can pull you under, but the concrete and other hard surfaces can make them unsafe for running and jumping around the pool, especially with wet, slippery surfaces. Public pools usually have lifeguards on duty, but if you have a private pool, you probably don't have that luxury, so make sure you have a way to keep small children away from the pool, such as with a tall gate or barrier or a locking pool cover.
Spot Hazards
A fun day at the pool or lake can turn into an emergency if you don't take the time to spot potential hazards around you. Pool drains can post a serious safety risk for small children, so teach your kids to stay away from them and make sure all drains have a properly installed cover. Avoid alcohol when swimming, according to the National Institutes of Health, as it can slow down or even impair your judgment, increasing your risk for drowning or other water-related accidents.
Stay Healthy
Pools are a great way to get out of the heat, but in addition to the risk of injury, there is also the potential for health risk from bacteria in the water. If you're swimming in a public pool, talk to the operators to find out if they use proper sanitation and disinfection techniques in the pool. Many states have codes and standards public pools must meet in terms of disinfection, so make sure your pool knows and is following those standards. If you're swimming in the ocean, lake or another natural body of water, check with your state government to find out if there is any pollution or environmental conditions that make the water unsafe.
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