Drowning is the sixth most frequent cause of accidental death in Connecticut.
Seven simple tips for safe swimming and water activities
These apply to everyone. Even confident swimmers have accidents.
- Learn to swim or improve your stroke. Check out your local YMCA or your town’s local pool to find classes near you.
- Only swim in areas supervised by a lifeguard.
- Watch young children closely while they are in the water. Try to stay an arm’s length from any inexperienced or young swimmers. Avoid distractions while looking after children in the water.
- Have U.S. Coast Guard-approved life jackets ready to put on all inexperienced swimmers. Find out more about life jacket fit.
- Never swim alone or in areas where swimming is not allowed.
- Drink plenty of water. It can help prevent you from becoming tired or cramping while in the water.
- Be ready to respond to accidents. Enroll in an American Red Cross first aid and CPR course.
Sources:
- Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Water Injuries Fact Sheet, accessed 06/19/2018
- Network of Care, accessed 06/19/18
- Center of Disease Control and Prevention, Water Safety Abroad, accessed 06/19/18
- Swimming World, accessed 06/19/18
