5 Water Safety Tips

Summer brings out those pesky bugs that drive kids crazy; and us too! Sunburns can not only spoil the fun, but can cause severe consequences to our health down the road. Therefore, whatever adventures you are considering, bring along a floppy hat, some bug spray, and UV protection.

Yes, summer is here in many places, or will be soon for others. Although bugs and the sun can be troublesome, the real danger for most will involve water. Many will enjoy spending their time either in or near the water. Unfortunately, this is also a time when the number of water accidents increases drastically.

Here is a look at 5 Water Safety Tips to consider this summer:

#1 Wear Life Preservers

You should always wear life preservers, such as a life jacket or life vest, when using any watercraft to ensure you stay afloat if you fall off or capsize. The life jacket should be the right fit. It should not be loose, and you must buckle all straps as instructed.

#2 Ensure Someone Is Always Watching Your Kids

Never leave your children unattended whenever they are playing in or around water. It takes active involvement. It only takes a few seconds for disaster to strike a child playing in the water. Whenever they are playing in the water or just near the pool, there should always be an adult actively supervising them. A small child can drown in a foot of water, so the time it takes to send a text could be more than enough time for a child to drown.

#3 Keep the Swimming Pool Safe

Be sure to surround the swimming pool with a fence that has lockable gates to keep children away from the pool when unsupervised. There should be a fence between the house and the pool. Additionally, it is important to keep rescue equipment such as life preservers, a shepherd’s hook, and a mobile or remote telephone nearby.

#4 Only Swim in Safe Public Areas

It is always advisable to swim at swimming areas that are patrolled by lifeguards. While at the lake or beach, always follow instructions from the lifeguards. Consult them on how strong the waves and currents are. Also, before going into the water, find out if there are sharp objects or coral in the water to avoid getting injured. You can use protective footwear when you suspect the presence of rocks or other dangerous objects.

There are usually warning signs and colored flags at the entrance to most beaches that indicate safety conditions; make sure you read them carefully. A broadly used system in America is based on the traffic light system, red is a high hazard, yellow is a medium hazard, and green is a low hazard. Black flags normally signal the beach is closed.

#5 Do Not Push Your Limits

Always be realistic about your swimming ability and your physical capability. Along with swimming ability is your body’s ability to adapt to the heat. Drink plenty of water to stay hydrated and take a break from your summer fun in the sun under a shade tree.

If you and your family plan to spend your summer around a boat, know the limits of each person you bring along. Look out for any signs of weariness to avoid injuries. Additionally, no one should go boating under the influence of alcohol, drugs, or prescription medicines that may cause drowsiness. Not only is it unsafe, it’s illegal. Operating any vehicle while under the influence is illegal. It’s also very important to know the condition of the driver before you get on a boat or other watercraft.

It is important to enjoy the summer moments, but remember water safety is equally essential. If you or your family members suffer a water-related accident or wrongful death due to someone else’s negligence, contact Robert Greening of GreeningLaw, P.C. immediately for a free, no obligation consultation.

GreeningLaw Is Your Connection for Justified Compensation

The summer months can be filled with fun and frolic, but even when you do everything safely, especially on the water, others can shatter your summer dreams through carelessness and negligence. Following the tips outlined above and staying prepared for emergencies can make your summer on the water safer and more fun. However, if disaster strikes and you or a family member is injured through the negligence of another or unsafe equipment, contact our office to set up a confidential free consultation with no obligation.

GreeningLaw, P.C. can provide you with expert advice and counsel for your family. We are personal injury lawyers that only represent our clients on a contingency fee basis. What that means to you and your family is that you can concentrate on recovery without the financial concerns of the process. We pay the fees for you and get reimbursed after settlement, whether that is through negotiation with the insurance company or at trial. We accept the risk of handling all the expenses and fees involved in the process, so your family can concentrate on getting better. We fight the legal battle so that you can focus on healing and renewal. We will go over everything before we accept your case, so there will be no surprises. Our fees are contingent on us receiving compensation for you; if we don’t secure compensation for you, we will not accept payment from you.

Call (972) 934-8900 for Robert Greening, your personal injury attorney. We will set up the free consultation with absolutely no obligation to you.