Swim Safety: 11 Expert Tips to Keep Your Family Safe Around Water

Trips to the pool, beach, or lake are a key part of summer in New England. But having fun in the water requires a dimension of awareness that land activities don't. These tips from Life Time Aquatics Director, Matt Friedman, will help keep you and your family safe in and around the water all season long.

Get certified in CPR/First Aid

Before planning your swim outing, said Friedman, the best preparation you can make is to be certified in cardiopulmonary resuscitation and first aid. These classes prepare students to act under pressure and can make the difference between a close call and a tragedy. The American Red Cross offers in-person or online self-paced classes for aiding both adults and children.

Have a designated swim supervisor

At large gatherings, if water is nearby or swimming is involved, designate one adult to actively watch the pool at all times – more, depending on the skill level of the kids in the pool. One adult can be responsible for about three non-swimmers and should stay within 10 feet of them so they can respond quickly in case of emergency.

This is important even if there's a lifeguard, since lifeguards are responsible for watching the entire swimming area and can't focus as easily on a single swimmer.

Learn how to swim

Adults and kids alike benefit from the confidence of knowing how to handle themselves in the water. Swim lessons not only teach strokes and breathing, but they also give students the skills they need to respond in dangerous situations. Life Time offers junior life guard clinics and swim programs for members, as do other local businesses like Goldfish Swim School.

Swimming is a lifelong skill, said Friedman, and the earlier one starts, the better for developing comfort and confidence.

Do your research

Before swimming anywhere, whether it's the ocean, a lake, or an indoor or outdoor pool, look up the locale and be prepared. Be sure you know about the area's features, potential dangers, rules for swimming, lifeguard locations, and the tide schedule if swimming in the ocean. Knowing what to expect – and sharing that information with any kids and adults who will be coming with you – will help keep everyone safe.

Wear bright colors

Dark colors like blues and blacks tend to blend in to the water more than bright neon colors such as yellow and orange. Keeping to a single color scheme within your family, said Friedman, can make it easier to spot members of your group.

Don't swim alone

"There's a reason we have lifeguards at the Olympics," said Friedman. Even the strongest swimmers can get into dangerous situations. Don't swim alone or let anyone in your group do so – and know your closest exit so you can get there quickly in case of trouble.

Know the signs of drowning – and speak up if you're distressed

Drowning begins the moment the head dips below water, Friedman said. If a swimmer is bobbing up and down in the water, possibly flailing their arms, they might need help – and it's best to err on the side of caution. Yelling "HELP!" and making a scene is the best, clearest way to indicate you're struggling in the water. But if you're unable to do that, conserve energy by floating on your back until you can attract attention or get to an exit.

SPF up - even in cloudy weather

If you're going to be spending outside, grab a water-resistant sunscreen with a 30+ SPF, and bring plenty of it. You'll need to reapply every two hours during outside time but more often when you're in and out of the water. And remember, clouds don't stop ultraviolet (UV) rays, the invisible light that causes burning and skin damage. You'll need sunscreen even on cloudy days.

Some easily forgotten spots are the back of the neck, top of the ears, and even the head (thin spots and parts are especially susceptible). Look out for these spots and be sure to apply sunblock there, too!

If you expect bugs to be sharing your air, pack a separate bug spray (DEET is a good repellant, but check counterindications, especially with small children) rather than using a combined SPF + bug spray, said Friedman, as the dual options aren't always as effective.

Watch the weather report

Friedman recommends the WeatherBug app for checking both the UV index and the outdoor weather forecast when storms are expected. Approaching lightning can move fast, and he says once it gets within 10 miles swimmers should move indoors and away from the water. Depending on where you're swimming, even some indoor pools must be vacated if lightning has been sighted in the area.

Stay hydrated

Being in the water, especially outside, can sap your body's hydration. And adults and kids alike are susceptible to the effects of dehydration, which can include altered sweating patterns and lightheadedness. Friedman recommends 16 ounces of water (a common Poland Spring bottle is 16.9 oz) per hour when outdoors.

Take breaks

Take regular breaks from the heat, sun, and water so you can come back refreshed and ready to continue the fun. Five minutes every hour can help you refocus – and give you time to drink some water and reapply your sunscreen!

By planning ahead and staying alert, you’ll set the stage for a fun, safe summer of swimming that the whole family can enjoy with confidence.