Water--whether it's a pool, lake or ocean--offers endless entertainment and a great way to stay fit. But it also can be dangerous if you don't take care. Nine people drown each day in the United States, according to the USA Swimming Foundation. By learning ways to stay safe in and around the water, you can prevent serious injuries or drowning.
Use Buddy System
Swimming alone is an invitation to trouble. Always swim with a buddy, even if you're at a pool where lifeguards are on duty. Then you'll have someone nearby if you get in trouble. Each year, about 6,000 people drown in the United States, according to the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. And most people drown within 10 to 30 feet of safety.
Learn CPR
By learning cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR), you can save a life. In the time it takes paramedics to arrive, your lifesaving skills could make a difference. When bystanders step in and perform CPR, some drowning victims have better outcomes, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Don't Trust Toys
Air-filled or foam toys such as "water wings," "noodles" or inner-tubes are meant for play, not rescue. They weren't designed to keep swimmers safe and shouldn't be used for that, according to the CDC. Instead, be sure to use life jackets.
Watch the Children
There is no substitute for adult supervision when children are in the water, according to the U.S. National Library of Medicine. Adults designated to watch children as they swim and play shouldn't be doing any other activity--that includes everything from socializing with friends to mowing the lawn.
Don't Dive
It's important to enter any body of water carefully. Diving into lakes or rivers can invite tragedy. Diving accidents result in more than 8,000 people annually suffering paralyzing spinal cord injuries, according to the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. Another 5,000 die before reaching a hospital. Hidden dangers lie beneath the water, including shallow pools and rock outcrops.
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