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Learn "Reach, Throw, Row, Don't go!"
Most people drown within 10 to 30 feet of safety. Learn these few simple techniques to help someone in trouble and keep yourself safe.
Reach: To help someone in the water, reach first with a fishing pole, towel, boat oar, but don't get in the water yourself
Throw: Scan your area for items such as an empty milk jug, cooler, ring buoys that can be thrown to someone in the water.
Row: Its not safe to go near a swimmer with the boat motor running. Use the oars to bring the boat close enough to reach or throw.
Don't Go: Without expert training and experience in lifesaving techniques, you could put yourself in danger along with the person you are trying to help.
Pools and Lakes
Learn to swim. It is the first step towards water safety
Provide constant supervision and demonstrate safe water practices. Remember a lifeguard's job is to provide safety, not supervision.
Teach your children to wait for permission to get in the water.
Swim only in designated swimming areas.
Never Swim Alone.
Don't over-estimate your swimming skills.
Never rely on toys such as inner tubes and water wings to stay afloat.
Discourage habits such as diving into shallow water, playing in drainage ditches, and running on docks and or pool decks.
Learn infant/child cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR).
Boats
Just like you always wear a seat belt in the car, you should automatically associate wearing a personal flotation device (PFD) with boating.
Let each child pick out his or her own life jacket to insure they will want to wear them. Also, make a big deal out of the purchase and buy one for yourself. Some parents insist on their kids wearing life jackets but they don't wear one themselves. Remember: demonstrate safety for everyone.
Carry a celluar phone or marine radio tuned to U.S. Coast Guard channel 16 on the boat.
Make a float plan. Afloat plan is a written account of where you plan to launch your boat, approxiamte time on the water, and who is on the boat. Leave this information with a neighbor or leave a copy in your vehicle.
Check your electrical system, fuel, and required safety equipment.
Check the weather forecast.
Follow manufacturers suggested operational procedures.
Carry a navigation Chart and Know your waterway. Local marinas, bait stores and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers can provide navigation charts.
Follow the navigation rules of the waterways, buoys and other aids to navigation.
Tips On Life Jackets
Wear your life jacket. They float-You don't.
Always choose Coast Guard approved life jackets.
A snug fit is essential. In addition to checking weight and size requirements, try the life jacket on your child. When picked up by the life jacket shoulders, the child's chin and ears shouldn't slip through.
Infant and toddler life jackets should roll the child onto his back and keep his head above water. The life jacket should have a rounded flotation collar with a grab strap if possible (United States Coast Guard approved TYPE II).
Let the child select his or her life jacket. Kids and adults are more willing to wear a vest that feels and looks good.
Check life jackets for tears, loose buckles and straps, dry rot or mildew.
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