Keeping Your Family Safe at the Pool, Waterfront or Water Park

Every year hundreds of children and young adults are injured or experience death due to water related activities. Keeping your children safe while in and around the water can prove to be difficult. Providing adult supervision and emergency awareness is key when it comes to keeping your family safe in and around the water. You also have to be aware of the risks and dangers of the environment you are in.

It doesn't matter if you are at the beach, local pool, or in your own backyard swimming pool dangers exist when water is involved. You can help ensure the safety of your family by being aware of these risks and devising rules and plans to be followed should something go astray. These following tips will help you and your family stay safe this summer while taking part in water activities.

Follow the Rules
All bodies of water including pools, lakes, rivers, and oceans have hazards that exist naturally. From slips and falls, to bad weather, and burns or abrasions potential hazardous conditions exist. Be on the lookout for dangers in the enviroment where you or your family will be swimming. Most public facilities including beaches and pools have emergency plans and staff to aid in the event of a situation. But that doesn't mean you should sit by and read a book thinking the lifeguard on duty will watch your kids.

Often times public facilties can be overcrowded, especially during the summer and the lifeguards may not be able to keep an eye on every single child, at every moment. This is especially true at beaches where the enviroment is constantly changing and it may be difficult to tell if someone is in trouble. Before using any public facilty you should be aware of the location of emergency equipment like first aid and a telephone. You will not have time to find these things in the event of an emergency and every second counts when it comes to water injuries.

Other hazardous conditions that exist around bodies of water, other than lack of supervision include slips and falls, burns, abrasions, cuts, debris, and bad weather. Not paying attention to the dangers that exist could mean you or a member of your family end up injured, paralyzed, handicapped, or even dead. It's true that most injuries related to water activities can be avoided by using some common sense and awareness. Slips and falls tend to occur regularly at public pools and even at home.

When using a pool you should never run on the deck, chase each other around the pool, or push and shove one another. Often the surface of pool decks is made of tile or some other non porous surface that can be slippery when wet. Most public facilites have signs posted with rules and they almost always include a "no running" rule. It's not that the owners of the facility don't want you and your children to have fun, they just want to make sure that everyone has fun without getting hurt.

By not running or allowing your children to run on the pool deck you are avoiding possibly serious head injuries, broken bones, cuts and other abrasions. Rules need to be established and followed in order to ensure the safety of your family.

Not pushing, shoving, or pullling each other into the water should also be at the top of your list of rules. Every year hundreds of children are injured because of rough horseplay in or around the water. Someone who is not expecting to be pushed or pulled into the water can end up with very serious injuries because their body was not prepared to take a fall. Arms, faces, legs, and other body parts may be injured during such acts and should be avoided at all costs.

During my ten years of lifeguarding I have witnessed numerous children attain injuries from pushes and shoves. Many children and young adults end up with broken noses, cuts that need stiches, or a broken arm or leg. Spending the rest of the summer in a cast because of failure to follow rules can really put a damper on water activites. Almost every facility has a set of posted rules, as a patron it is your job to understand and follow the rules to ensure maximum enjoyment and safety.

Burns and Hyperthermia
When it comes to using public facilities there is a greater chance of suffering from burns and hyperthermia. Hyperthermia is a condition that results from too much heat exposure on the body over an extended period of time. Hyperthermia can cause serious injury or death. Many spas, public health clubs, and hotels have hot tubs and/or saunas. Generally, most facilities have rules posted about who can use the hot tub or sauna and for how long.

It is not recommended for children under the age of 16 to use a hot tub or sauna and even then the children should be supervised. Sure, the hot tub can warm you up after a cold swim or help relax tense muscles but it should not be used for more than 8-10 minutes at a time. These time limits should also be reserved when using a sauna. Generally you should only allow yourself 10-15 minutes inside the sauna. Because there is a higher risk of getting burned while using a sauna children should never be allowed inside and teens should be supervised by and adult.

Exisiting health conditions may also make it dangerous for certain persons to use a sauna or hot tub. If you are pregnant, suffer from diabetes or high or low blood pressure, epilepsy or other serious medical conditions you should consult your doctor first before using a spa. Overuse of a hot tub or sauna may result in dizziness, nausea, or fainting which are all signs of hyperthermia. If you or someone you know exhibits these signs after use of a spa seek immediate medical attention. In the event of burns you should also seek medical attention as they can become infected and cause much more serious injury later on. Burns can lead to shock, difficulty breathing, and even fainting. Immediately rinse burns with cold water, do not use ice or pool water, and seek medical attention.

Environmental Hazards
Bad weather, debris in the environment, sharp rocks, high wind, strong tides and undercurrents, and marine life all contribute to environmental hazards. Be aware of what'g going on around you and what kinds of dangers may exist in your environment. Before heading out to the pool or public beach check the weather conditions to make sure that storms will not interfere. Just because a storm is heading your way does not mean you cannot swim but you should be aware of what to look for. Thunder, lightning, and increased wind speed are all signs of an impending storm. Lighting and thunder tend to occur more regularly throughout the summer and are conducted by water and metal. You should never swim or shower during bad weather because there is a certain risk of electrocution. If you are at the beach or in the pool and you see lightning or hear thunder you should get out of the water immediately and seek shelter. After the storm has passed wait at least 45 minutes to make sure it does not return before re-entering the water.

Thunder and lightning can also affect indoor swimming as many facilities are not grounded to protect your from electrocution. If you witness thunder or lightning it is in your best interest to get out of the water immediately, no matter where you are. Seek shelter in a car or large covered building. Patios, gazeebos, and other open structures do not provide adequate protection from environmental hazards so take care to find an appropriate place to wait the storm out. Because wind speed can increase the tides and undercurrents it is also best not to swim during periods of high wind. Children and the weak or old will find it hard to swim or get back up if swept under in a current or tide. Increased wind speed can induce hypothermia in the very young and very old, and can also be the result of hurricanes or tornados. If the wind speed increases dramatically it is best to just leave the water because it is generally a sign of a storm to come, or a storm that has just passed and dangers may still exist.

When it comes to debris, sharp or slippery rocks, and any other dangerous condition it pays to use common sense. Often times beaches can be strewn with broken glass bottles, sharp peices of metal, broken shells, and jagged or slippery rocks. Avoid sitting, playing, or swimming in areas where these dangers exist and if possible wear some kind of sandal or water shoe when walking about the beach or shoreline. Jetties along shore lines, rocks built up to break the tides or guide boats into a marina, are also very dangerous places. Many times people and children walk out onto jettys only to find when the tide comes in or goes out they are stranded or pounded by waves. These situations can be extremely dangerous for persons of any age and may even result in drowning. Typically jetty rocks are slippery, jagged, and have gaping spaces in between the rocks providing added danger. It is best to stay off and away from jetties to avoid danger and possible injury. Bag your trash before leaving the beach to help keep the environment clean and safe for other patrons and/or animals.

No Lifeguard on Duty
Before you decide to take a swim or let your children go into the water you should take into account whether or not a lifeguard is present. Many times it will be posted if no one is on duty and sometimes the sign may state "no swimming when lifeguard not on duty". If there is no swimming allowed do not swim. You are only exposing yourself and/or family to dangers unknown to you. Even if you can swim and there is not a lifeguard on duty you should take into account whether or not you can help in the event of an emergency. Are you prepared to administer first aid? Can you save a drowning child or adult? In most cases the answer is no, you cannot help much. If something should happen you will want a lifeguard or trained professional available to help. You hold the ultimate responsibility for your family so make sure there is adequate supervision and help available before jumping into the water. You should also keep this in mind if you own a home pool or your children use one at a neighbors or relatives house. Will there be an adult supervising play? Is there a telephone near by? Never swim alone or unattened and make it crystal clear to your children swimming is not allowed if there is not an adult present. Most often injury and fatalies occur when no one is around to supervise or provide rescue.

Insects, Wild Animals, and Marine Life
When it comes to the great outdoors there are many dangers. Some exist right in your back yard and others exist still in public facilities and beaches. Spider or snake bites and insect stings are typical of most water related injuries and some are fatal. The general rule to follow when it comes to stings and bites is to call 911 or go to the hospital right away. Severe allergic reactions can occur if a bite or sting is not treated immediately. On your own you can wash out the wound and examine the location to make sure a stinger is not still under the skin. If there is a stinger in the skin you can use tweezers, a credit card, or a clean fingernail to remove it from the skin. Applying cold or ice will help reduce swelling and irritation. In the event of a snake bite you should seek immediate medical attention becuase some attacks can be fatal. Not all stings will require a doctor but 911 can walk you through the steps of cleaning out and bandaging the wound, or send emergency help if needed.

When swimming in a natural body of water, as compared to swimming pools there are many more dangers. Protecting your family begins with your awareness of what may be lurking out there. On the sea shore you have to worry about jellyfish, stingrays, crabs, and other marine life that may sting or attack in the water. You should be familiar with the types of marine life in and around where you are swimming. It is also helpful to know how to treat an injury caused by marine life because there may not always be someone close by who can help. I reccomend carrying your own first aid kit and it should include rubbing alcohol or wipes, cotton swabs, tweezers, ice packs, gauze and tape, a bar of soap, baking soda, and vinegar. Mix baking soda and vinegar into a paste and apply to insect or jellyfish stings to relieve itching, redness, and pain. If you do not have vinegar clean water is a fine substitute. Some jellyfish and stingray attacks can be severe and may require immediate attention. If you are stung in the neck or upper body area by a stingray or jellyfish you should not hesitate to call 911. In relation to protecting yourself ad family while at the beach it may be helpful to take a community course on first aid. Check your local Red Cross, YMCA, or hospital to find out if a class is offered in your area.

Although rare, in some parts of the country attacks from wild animals like alligators and sharks are a real concern. You should always be aware of not only what animals are in the water, but what animals are roaming the land near the water as well. Aside from animal attacks long grasses and wooded areas are notorious for tick infestations which can lead to the onset of Lyme disease. Other potentially dangerous animals may be present as well. Be aware of your surroundings and know what dangers to look out for. Severe cases of injury can be accompanied by shock and should be treated by a medical professional immediately. Some symptoms exhibited by persons going into shock are phases of concious and unconciousness, rapid breathing or pulse, sweating, shaking or trembling, and pale colored skin that may be cool to the touch. If any person shows signs of shock call 911 immediately. Do not try to force food or drink, just be reassuring and keep the injured calm until help arrives.

Other dangers like heat stroke, head or neck injuries, and hypothermia can occur when partaking in water activities. Most often head and neck injuries are caused by diving head first into shallow water. Always know the depth of the water before jumping in and if you cannot see the bottom do not dive. There could be dangerous objects below the surface of the water or it could be too shallow for diving and cause injury. The general rule of thumb is not to dive if the water is less than 8 feet deep. All public facilities have signs stating whether you may or may not dive and where you can dot it. Head and neck injuries can lead to paralyzation and brain trauma that cannot be reversed.

Hypothermia is a condition in which the body temperature falls below normal and symptoms may include shivering, slow or irregular pulse, loss of muscle control, and/or loss of conciousness. If someone is suffering from hypothermia remove wet clothing and wrap them in a blanket. Let the person warm up slowly indoors away from drafts or breezes. In most cases of hypothermia the victim survives with no injury to major organs or bodily functions but severe cases should be brought to the attention of 911 or your local hospital to avoid further damages. At the other end of the spectrum you have heat exhaustion and stroke which can be life threatening conditions if not handled properly. Some symptoms of heat stroke include high body temperature, red skin that is hot to the touch, weakness, rapid or weak pulse, panting or difficulty breathing, and some nausea or cramping. Move the victim to a cool place and loosen or remove clothing. Offer something to drink and fan or spritz the body with water. If the person goes unconscious or their condition does not improve call 911 immediately.

Protecting Your Family at the Water Park
Although the water park seems like a fun place with its massive attractions, wave pools, and exciting rides it can be a dangerous place if you do not follow the rules. Height suggestions and age or health restrictions are put into place to protect you and your family. When enjoying a day at the water park you will be the safest and have the best time if you follow the established rules. You should only enter and exit the attractions at the designated places, if you are given a tube stay on it until the end of the ride, and when taking along children or non-swimmers life vests should be provided in case you get separated somewhere along the way. You should always go feet first on any slide or amusement with inner tubes, avoid wearing glasses, goggles, and jewelry, and remeber to always follow all instructions any lifeguard or employee tells you before going on a ride. If you choose not to follow the rules you may end up with cuts, abrasions, burns, bruises, head or neck injuries, and even broken bones.

Wave pools and some slides can be dangerous for the inexperienced or non-swimmers. Wave pools work in such a manner that it is easy to get knocked off your tube, carried into deeper water, or even submerged under a breaking wave. If you are a non-swimmer or you have young children the wave pool is not the safest place to spend your day. All slides have a pool at the end where patrons are dumped or dropped into the water. The inexperienced may not realize how deep the water is and will struggle to make it to safety. Height requirements should be posted for each ride. If you are unsure if your child is tall enough just ask the lifeguard. Water parks are more than just wet amusements. You need to have some swimming skills if you want to really enjoy yourself and be safe. Most water parks have a few shallow pools and kiddie areas for those not ready to tackle the big rides. If you are a non-swimmer or your children are unexperienced you may want to stick to amusements that require a tube, sled, or other device for riding. Wearing a lifejacket, if permitted, will also help further protect the inexperienced swimmers.

Rules are water parks help ensure the safety of all involved, including you and your family. You need to supervise your children at all times and be aware of what the ride requirements are. Small children may also use kiddie areas or shallow pools as a bathroom causing the spread of disease and bacteria. Watch out for this and alert a lifeguard if you notice a child has urinated or deficated in the water. Most facilites have a plan in place should this happen ensuring visitors to the park will be safe. Before cruising the water park learn where first aid and a telephone is located in each section of the park. In the event of an emergency you will not have time to look for these things. Most of all, remain calm and let the trained staff handle all injuries.

By using some common sense and by following all posted rules your summertime swimming can be fun and safe. Many aquatic related injuries can be avoided by being aware of your surroundings and knowing how to act in the event of an emergency. By learning about and being aware of potential hazards you can help your family stay safe while in and around the water.