Be smart! Be Safe!
Hanging out on the beach or in a pool on a hot summer day is great fun and relaxing. But before you jump inside the pool, learn how to be safe in the water. Well, being safe does not mean that you have to be a professional swimmer and learn all the skills of swimming. Just following a few instructions will help you to remain safe in the water and enjoy the experience. Here are a few things that you should follow every time you jump inside the pool:
- Take a partner with yourself- If you are a beginner or you are hanging out in the pool just for fun, take a partner with yourself. Even professional swimmers can get muscle cramps or get tired while swimming. In such an emergency case, it's hard to get out of the water. In case of emergency, your buddy can help you to balance and protect you from mishaps.
- Always know your limits - Whether you are a good swimmer or you are just learning, you shouldn't go so deep that you cannot touch the bottom of the pool. The key to safe swimming is knowing your limits and not engage in any challenging activities that compromise with your safety. Also, it's suggested to take some break if you are swimming for a long time. The maximum safe height to jump into water may vary from person to person. Experts may go for fifteen to twenty meters of height, but for beginners or new learners, it's suggested that the maximum height should be ten meters. Ask your trainer what’s best for you and do not engage in challenging activities.
- Swim in the safest areas - There are swimming pools that have different depth level in different areas. Always swim in the area where your feet's touches the bottom. Also, make sure the area where you are swimming have lifeguards around. Swimming in open body water is a bit different though. You do not have control over the current and waves of the water. So it’s always better to wear a personal floatation device or carry floatation safe equipment while jumping into the water.
- Wear proper costumes - Yes costumes do matter! Swimming costumes are made of light-weight fabrics that help you to float. If you wear normal clothes while swimming, your costume might get heavy and it would be difficult to swim. As a result, you might get drowned due to the heaviness of the cloth you are wearing. So always wear a proper swimming costume, goggles, earplugs to get eyes, ears and nose protected.
- Say no to Alcohol - 7 out of 10 water-related injuries are caused due to alcohol intake before going swimming. Alcohol and swimming never go together! No matter what never go to the beach or pool after drinking alcohol.
Swimming is great fun only if you stay safe in the water. Follow the instruction before jumping into the pool or beach and enjoy Swimming!
