Summer Swimming Safety Tips from EMT Siren

Happy summer, friends!

One of my favorite summertime activities is to go swimming with my friends and family, especially at the beach. Going for a swim is a great way to cool down in the heat, relax with loved ones, and exercise. But, it’s extremely important to take precaution when swimming at the beach or in a pool.

You and your friends should always obey the rules set by lifeguards and never swim alone. It’s a good idea to learn what different flags on the beach mean as well. For example, a double red flag posted in the sand means that the water is closed to the public, while a single red flag means that there are high hazardous surfs and strong currents. These flags alert the public that there is real danger! A yellow flag means medium hazardous surfs and moderate currents, green lets us know that there is low hazard and calm conditions, but to as always exercise caution, and purple means that there is dangerous marine life (like a shark!) near shore and to be careful when swimming.

You should never, ever swim without a lifeguard present! FDNY members have responded to several swimmers in distress in just the past week, something that can be avoided by simply following the rules of the beach or pool you’re visiting. Always listen for a lifeguard’s whistle as well; he or she will alert the swimmers of any approaching danger.

Here’s a list of my top #FDNYSmart safety tips to keep in mind when swimming at the beach or in a pool:

• If you plan on swimming for the whole day, make sure to take breaks at least once an hour so you don’t get tired or hurt yourself.
• Make sure your parents or an adult is around. Kids should always be supervised when they’re in or around water.
• If you have younger brothers or sisters who can’t swim, make sure an adult gives them a life jacket, instead of air-filled or foam toys like “water wings” or inner tubes. Life jackets are much safer.
• If you’re spending the day at the beach, always take caution when swimming in the ocean. Never stray far from the shore and be careful of the tides and rip currents. Always obey the warning flags put out by lifeguards, and never hesitate to ask them for help. Lifeguards are our friends, too! Never swim in the ocean if the lifeguards are off duty. If any of your friends or family members look like they are struggling, get help immediately. Every second counts when trying to save a life!
• To protect your skin when swimming, don’t forget to reapply sunscreen often!
• It’s also extremely important to stay hydrated when playing and swimming out in the heat, so drink plenty of fluids.
• If you have a pool in your backyard, make sure that you have a secured fence around it to keep everyone safe. This can help greatly lower the risk of drowning.
• It’s a good idea to have a set of rules for pool behavior, such as no diving in shallow areas or jumping too close to the edge.
• Keeping splashing to a minimum helps to prevent swallowing and choking on water.
• If you’re spending the day at the beach, always take caution when swimming in the ocean. Never stray far from the shore and be careful of the tides and rip currents. Always obey the warning flags put out by lifeguards, and never hesitate to ask them for help. Lifeguards are our friends, too! Never swim in the ocean if the lifeguards are off duty. If any of your friends or family members look like they are struggling, get help immediately. Every second counts when trying to save a life!
• No matter how strong of a swimmer you are, never swim alone! I always grab my good buddy, Hot Dog, when we want to go for a swim!

Remember, the number one purpose of a lifeguard’s job is to guard your life—they will always keep you and your loved ones safe while you’re enjoying your time in the water, but they cannot protect you if they’re off duty! Always be #FDNYSmart when going for a swim at the beach or pool and exercise precaution! For more tips on staying safe, click here. And, be sure to follow me on Twitter for more safety tips. Just click here!