Safe Splashing: Basic Water Safety for Families

One of the best things about summer is enjoying outdoor activities with your family . Adding water to those activities increases the fun, but it increases the danger, too. Fortunately, you and your family can safely enjoy your time at the pool , lake and beach if you practice some basic rules of water safety . Experts from the American Red Cross remind you to follow these safety tips to protect your family and keep them safe in or around the water: 1. Learn to swim and swim well. One of the best things anyone can do to stay safe in and around the water is learn to swim.

No one,

including adults, should ever swim alone. Adults should practice

"reach supervision" which means to be within arm's length of a child

in case an emergency occurs.

2. Outfit everyone with the proper gear. Kids -- and even adults --

who are not strong swimmers should use U.S. Coast Guard approved

personal flotation devices (PFDs) whenever they are in or around the

water. This lifesaving lightweight plastic equipment when used

properly can help save lives. Everyone, including strong swimmers,

should use an approved PFD when boating. Each person should have the

appropriate PFD for his or her weight and size, which is found

clearly marked inside the label near the Coast Guard stamp.

A great idea is to make a family day out of learning the rules of

water safety and shopping for durable safety equipment together at a

local pool supply store or mass distributor.

3. Always keep basic lifesaving equipment by the residential pool and

know how to use it. A first aid kit, cordless phone, phone list with

emergency contact information, a reaching pole and a ring buoy with a

nylon line attached are recommended. Cordless phones allow you to

make that 911 call and to receive calls without leaving the area.

A plastic ring buoy is so light even a child can save a life if the

need arises. These items coupled with a pool emergency action plan

-- similar to a fire drill -- help the whole family breathe a little

easier.

In addition, the Red Cross recommends that pools be surrounded on all

sides by a fence that is at least 4 feet high. It shou