How to stay safe while taking a dip
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It's been a particularly hot summer, with Americans often looking to the water to beat the heat. Not only is it fun to swim or lounge in the water, but it can help stave off heat-induced illnesses such as heatstroke. That said, it’s important to make sure you adhere to several safety precautions before you dive in. It's all fun and games until someone gets hurt, or worse. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), accidental drowning leads to an estimated 4,000 fatalities annually in the United States (that’s an average of 11 drownings per day). It can happen to anyone— the Obama family’s chef drowned in Martha’s Vineyard just last month.
“Very few people in the U.S. are strong swimmers,” says Dave Benjamin, the PR Executive Director of Great Lakes Surf and Rescue, a non-profit dedicated to water safety education. He attributes most drownings to overconfidence. “Even if you know how to run, you can’t necessarily run a marathon.”
Knowing your limits, recognizing when someone’s drowning, and being prepared before swimming are all vital to make sure you and your loved ones remain safe in the water. Here are some additional steps to take.
Whatever swimsuit you buy this summer, make sure it's visible in the water.
When it comes to safety and danger, the difference oftentimes comes down to visibility. Depending on where you’re swimming, it can be difficult to make out what’s beneath the surface of the water. Because of this, it’s important to take the visibility of a swimsuit into consideration. According to tests conducted by Alive Solutions, vibrant colors such as yellow and neon green are the most ideal for swimwear. The most noticeable color you can choose is orange. On the other hand, the color white becomes virtually invisible and darker colors are easy to mistake for leaves or algae. If you’re looking at your closet or that of someone in your family and thinking that your swimsuit options are not optimal for safety, we’ve got you covered. We’ve rounded up the best places to buy bathing suits online and there are plenty of bright options to level up your safety.
With these Coast-Guard approved vests, both you and your peace of mind will stay floating
A life jacket is another safety essential to always have with you whether you're heading to the beach or cruising around on a boat. BoatU.S. notes that 90% of drowning victims in boating accidents were not wearing a life jacket.
“A life vest is going to keep you on the surface of the water, with some even keeping your head above water at all times,” remarks Benjamin. While there are several different kinds of life jackets to choose from, the main function of all of them is to keep the wearer afloat. They can also provide some thermal protection to mitigate the effects of hypothermia. Type I life jackets are bulky and will turn most unconscious persons’ heads right side up in the water. They’re ideal for rough seas. Type II life jackets are also bulky, but will only turn some unconscious persons’ heads right side up and are intended for calmer waters. A Type III life jacket is much less bulky but requires its wearer to be conscious in order to float their head. It’s important to choose a life jacket that can support the weight of the wearer to ensure maximum safety.
Additionally, it’s worth noting that many states require persons of certain ages to have or wear a life jacket when traveling by boat. Know your specific state’s life jacket requirements and know your own swimming limitations.
Bass Pro Shops Universal Life Jacket is a Type III jacket and features several buckles for a more secure feel and is noted for how comfortable it is. It offers One-Size-Fits-Most, comfortably fitting chest sizes of 30-52".
The X20 Type II Life Jacket from Walmart fits the same range of sizes and comes in a striking orange color that can be easily spotted in the water. $8 from Walmart
Walmart also offers a Type II life jacket in child size with an adjustable tie for a more snug fit. Both jacket sizes are approved by the United States Coast Guard. $17 from Walmart
For those with a disability that impairs their movement, they can still enjoy the water with brands such as Theraquatics and Life Jacket-Adapted Inc. Shop Theraquatics
Shop Life Jacket Adapted Inc.
Get these products to make sure everyone in the water can get to safety in a pinch.
The saying goes that "the best-laid plans of mice and men often go awry." While it's best to plan ahead when dealing with water safety, there are times when you have to act fast and can't get someone in a life vest. For moments like these, your best bet is to throw them a Type IV floatation device lifesaver ring. Type IV is part of the same specifications as the aforementioned swim vests, with Type IV being a buoyant free-floating item that users can hold onto to stay above water.
While expensive, it's hard to put a price on security and if there's one thing the Type IV Ring Buoy is, it's secure. Made to be thrown, large enough to fit most people inside of it, and soft enough to hold for extended periods of time, this Coast Guard-approved buoy will help in a pinch.
Starting at $93 from West Marine
You can combine the buoy with a sturdy line to throw into the water for someone to grab onto and pull them safely ashore. The throw line from North Water comes in bright red for better visibility underwater.
To help a distressed swimmer in the pool, you can use a pool hook. Like a throw line, a pool hook is a device that struggling swimmers can grab onto that will allow someone out of the water to pull them to safety. $234 from Poolweb
Of course, all these plans only work if another person is present, which is why you should never swim alone. What’s more, you should never leave a child unattended around the pool.
You can stay safe and have fun with these inflatables
While water safety is serious business, it doesn't have to be all doom and gloom. You can float in a pool while having fun and showing off a bit of style. The Jurmikey swim vest is a hit with young children thanks to its bright, colorful designs. It's big enough to be comfortable for some children even as they grow larger.
Older kids can have fun with a fierce dragon from GoFloats. Don't tell the fire-breathing lizard that he's surrounded by water, it'll ruin all the fun. $15 from Amazon
Kids aren't the only ones who get to have fun in the water since many brands offer larger pool inflatables. Customers love Find2Will's inflatables for their designs and durability. $28 from Amazon
Get this handy pool alarm to make sure you don't have any unexpected swimmers.
One of the best ways to prevent pool accidents is by restricting access to the pool in the first place. You might consider installing a fence around your pool, making it difficult to get to. This can deter humans and animals alike. WaterWarden’s safety fence comes pre-assembled and setting it up is as easy as putting the included poles into already-drilled holes.
To take it a step further, you should make sure your pool drain has a secure cover, as it helps to prevent hair from getting sucked into the drain. $96 from Lowe's
Lastly, consider installing a battery-operated pool alarm, which will alert you when someone enters the pool unexpectedly. The Poolguard alarm works for pools 800 square feet or less and emits a loud horn when motion is detected. $83 from Leslie's
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Prices were accurate at the time this article was published but may change over time.
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