Swim Safety and Drown Prevention Tips

Relaxing in the water is one of summer’s pleasures. Knowing how to swim safely means you’ll add many more summers to your lifetime.

The most important rule of swim safety starts before your boating day begins: Learn to swim or don’t go in. Thereafter, when you choose to jump off the boat and swim nearby, mind these tips:

• Wear a life jacket.
• Never dive headfirst.
• Never swim alone.
• Swim sober and drug-free.
• Make sure someone aboard knows you’re in the water.
• Know the water’s depth and any obstructions.

Should someone slip or otherwise go over the side involuntarily, alert everyone aboard and act quickly:

• Stop the boat immediately or maneuver slowly back (practice propeller safety).
• Throw the person a life ring or something buoyant.
• If the person is conscious and nearby, extend a rigid pole or oar for him or her to grasp.
• If a rescuer must go in, wear a life jacket, attach a rope to the boat, and take a buoyant object for the victim.
• Never grasp the victim — she or he is likely panicking and may pull you under.
• Call 911 and radio the U.S. Coast Guard if the water is cold, it has entered the person’s lungs, and/or if the person is unconscious.
• Practice first aid until help arrives.