Dear Just Be: I'll be at the pool this summer quite a bit with my children- I am not a strong swimmer. Can you give me some safety tips?

Hello Reader! The dog days of summer seem to be upon us already, after a fairly hot weekend. Going to the pool, or beach, for families is a great way to cool off, get some sunshine and exercise. But it pays to pay attention and know a few safety tips before getting in the water.

• Learn to swim before you go into the water.There are many beginner swim lessons offered around town, taught by qualified instructors- take a course yourself and sign up your children.
  
• Swim near a lifeguard so help is available if you need it
• Never swim alone
• Supervise children closely, even when lifeguards are present
• Don't rely on flotation devices, such as rafts, you may lose them in the water
• Alcohol and swimming don't mix
• Protect your head, neck, and spine by jumping feet first into unfamiliar waters
• As soon as you believe that you may be in trouble, call or wave for help
• Follow regulations and lifeguard directions
• Watch out for neighborhood pools. Whether it is your own or your neighbors, toys that are left around the pool can attract children to the water.
• If you have a pool, make sure you surround it by a fence that is tall enough that children cannot climb over, and with a gate that locks.
• Always have a first-aid kit and emergency phone contacts handy. Parents should be trained in CPR.
• If you head out to a beach this summer, remember to swim parallel to shore if you wish to swim long distances.

Did you know?
1. Each year between 4,000 and 6,000 people drown in the United States.
2. It is the second leading cause of accidental deaths for persons 15 to 44 years old.
3. It is believed that two-thirds of the people who drown are believed to never have had any intention of being in the water.

Be safe this summer, follow these safety tips and have fun!