Summer is coming and the Orlando Fire Department and the Orlando Police Department want to make sure your kids are safe. Here are some water safety tips to make sure your family has fun and stays safe.
Safety tips to keep in mind when around water:
• Swim in designated areas supervised by lifeguards, and always swim with a buddy; do not allow anyone to swim alone.
• Teach children to always ask permission to go near water.
• Have young children or inexperienced swimmers wear U.S. Coast Guard-approved life jackets around water, and if you go boating, everyone in your party should wear a life jacket.
• Remember to never leave a young child unattended near water and do not trust a child’s life to another child.
• Ensure that everyone in the family learns to swim well by enrolling in age-appropriate Red Cross Learn-to-Swim courses.
• Avoid alcohol use. Alcohol impairs judgment, balance and coordination; affects swimming and diving skills; and reduces the body’s ability to stay warm.
Continue practicing water safety even after your children have learned to swim:
• Actively supervise kids whenever around the water, even if lifeguards are present.
• Do not just drop your kids off at the public pool or leave them at the beach. Designate a responsible adult to supervise.
• Remember to always stay within arm’s reach of young children and avoid distractions when supervising children around water.
• If a child is missing, check the water first, as seconds count in preventing death or disability.
• Make sure you and your children know how and when to call 9-1-1 in an emergency.
• A great addition to water safety preparedness includes taking first aid and CPR/AED courses to learn how to prevent and respond to emergencies.
In addition to these water safety tips, the City of Orlando has partnered with the American Red Cross to provide affordable swim lessons for children and adults. Participants will learn swimming and self-help skills and basic rescue and stroke techniques.
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