Memorial Day Water Safety Tips

Water safety tips are important!

And, if you’re like us, you look forward to the biggest party of the summer! That’s Memorial Day. Swimming is great, there’s food aplenty, and let’s not forget the fireworks!

Along with the holiday comes some water safety tips as well as we all remember how to stay safe in the water.

You might be swimming in a pool, or you might be heading to the lake. Whichever route you take (and lucky you if it’s both!), take these Memorial Day water safety tips with you.

We borrowed these tips from the American Red Cross and tossed in a few of our own!

Safe Swimming Tips

1. Swim in designated areas supervised by lifeguards. If lifeguards aren’t available, designate an adult to be a water watcher. Adults can take turns throughout the day and evening.

2. Always swim with a buddy. Do not allow anyone to swim alone.

3. Have young children or inexperienced swimmers wear U.S. Coast Guard-approved life jackets around water, but do not rely on life jackets alone.

4. Provide close and constant attention to children and inexperienced swimmers you are supervising in or near the water. Avoid distractions while supervising.

5. Wear a broad-spectrum sunscreen with a protection factor of at least 15. Reapply often.

6. Stay hydrated. Drink plenty of water regularly, even if not thirsty. Avoid drinks with alcohol or caffeine.

7. For a backyard pool, have appropriate equipment, such as reaching or throwing equipment, a cell phone, life jackets and a first aid kit.

8. Secure the backyard pool with appropriate barriers including four-sided fencing.

9. Know how and when to call 9-1-1 or the local emergency number.

10. Never leave a young child unattended near water, and do not trust a child’s life to another child. Teach children to always ask permission to go near water. If a child is missing, check the water first.

Final Thoughts on Memorial Day

Remember that one of the best ways to stay safe in and around the water is to learn how to swim if you or your children don’t know how to consider signing up for lessons in the Little Rock area.

We hope you enjoyed these safety tips!