I love summertime. For me and my family, this means time on the water, whether it’s at the swimming pool, the swimming hole, or the lake, or even a theme park. Every year in Texas, children and adults die as a result of water injuries. Most of them are preventable.
To prevent accidents and ensure a fun season, always have a dedicated distraction-free water watcher when your kiddos are swimming. Never allow them to swim alone and ensure a weak swimmer wears an approved life vest.
I suggest a bright colored life vest; camouflaged and other earth-colored vests blend into the pond and lake water, making it hard to locate and see a loved one who may have fallen out of a boat or become disabled in the water. Never leave a young or inexperienced swimmer more than an arm’s length away.
Learning CPR saves lives — maybe someone you love. I also suggest removing the pool toys and floats from the water immediately after use, so the toys don’t attract unsupervised children. This even applies to small kid pools one can buy at the Dollar Store. It only takes a small amount of water for a child to drown. If you have a backyard pool, secure the pool with fencing at least four foot high, with self-closing, and self-latching devices.
If you’re going to the lake or swimming in a pond, swim with a buddy. It’s never good practice to swim alone. Even experienced swimmers fatigue and cramp. Swim in designated areas. These areas are most often clear of underwater debris and other items that can hurt an unsuspecting swimmer.
Check the weather and forecasts. It is good practice to get out of the water when you see dark clouds and thunder. Lightning kills. If you’re going to the beach (the ocean), you have to be aware of the rip currents. If caught in a rip current, do not fight it. Swim parallel to the shore until you are free of the current, then swim diagonally back to shore.
Lastly, keep consumption of alcoholic beverages at a minimum. The life you save may be your own.
Call us if you need us.
Steven Jeter is Chief of Police in Trinity.
