Swimming Safety Rules

Swimming can be a great lifetime activity. Whether it's in the ocean, lake, river or pool, however, you need to respect the water and go through a checklist in your mind before you go into the water. Going into the water on a hot summer day can be an ideal activity for anybody but not following a few simple safety rules can turn a great day into tragedy.

Swim With a Buddy

No matter how strong a swimmer you are, you don't go swimming alone. This is especially true if you are swimming in a large lake, a fast-moving river or the ocean. A cramp could be disastrous if swimming even in medium-depth water without a friend. Swimming with a buddy makes a situation like this an easy problem to contend with. However, if you are alone and the cramp attacks the wrong part of the body, it could result in drowning.

Don't Swim in Lightning

There can be no exception to this. You cannot go swimming when the sky is threatening and lightning is present. Children may not understand how devastating it is to be in the water in the event of lightning and that is why they must be supervised around the water at all times. Getting out at the same time as the lightning hits is too late. You must be out of the water when the skies get dark and rain starts to come down. An instant too late can result in electrocution.

Learn to Swim

This is a must. Most people learn to swim when they are children, but some people don't have the benefit of formal swimming lessons and they reach adulthood without learning how to swim. This does not have to be a permanent condition. Take swim lessons and learn how to swim so you can make being in the water a positive experience. You can take lessons at many municipal pools and through many YMCA outlets.