Let's Swim Safely!

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Look around to see what lifesaving equipment is available to use, such as a ring buoy or reaching pole, Ramos recommends. Parents need to know that lots of products pitched as aids for kids in the water really won’t help, says Gary Smith, MD, DrPH, the president of the Child Injury Prevention Alliance and the director of the Center for Injury Research and Policy at Nationwide Children’s Hospital in Columbus, Ohio. Is there anybody else using the beach? Are there any boat users or creel (fisherman’s) pots in the water? Are the boats motorized or sailing craft? On spring tides, high tides are higher and low tides are lower. In other words, spring tides are the biggest difference in water heights and have stronger currents. They occur every two weeks. Neap tide (first and third quarter moon)

cleaning your hands thoroughly with soap and water ensuring that all wet sand is removed from hands before eating or handling food Don't jump or dive into any water unless you know the depth (it might look fun, but this can cause a ruptured spinal cord and paralysis or can be fatal). Keep well hydrated - if you are doing lengths, keep a water bottle by the edge of the pool, and keep drinking. You might not realise how hot you are getting since the water keeps you cool.

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There’s a serious lifeguard shortage in the United States right now, and drownings are becoming more common. But water safety experts say there’s plenty you can do to minimize the risks involved in going for a swim. Blue-green algal blooms and scum are not always toxic. However, it is not possible to tell from their appearance whether they are harmful. At freshwater locations, the risk from blue-green algae is assessed and warning signs are displayed if a toxic bloom is confirmed. Children, farmers and pet owners should treat all blue-green algae with caution.

The mental health boost we enjoy from being by the sea has a name - the Blue Mind. Marine biologist Wallace J Nichols, who coined the phrase, explained: "The term ‘blue mind’ describes the mildly meditative state we fall into when near, in, on, or underwater." The COVID-19 pandemic halted programs to train and recertify lifeguards for two straight years, resulting in a loss of about one million lifeguards who would otherwise be working this summer, says Bernard J. Fisher II, the director of health and safety for the American Lifeguard Association in Vienna, Virginia. This shortage, combined with a pandemic pause in temporary work visas for foreign lifeguards, has forced countless pools and beaches to open with fewer lifeguards, reduce their hours, or close altogether this summer, he says.If you do become unwell with diarrhoea or any other symptoms, seek medical help and let them know you have been open water swimming. Do not swim again until you have had no diarrhoeal symptoms for at least 48 hours, or for a longer period if advised by a doctor. Information on bathing water and beach risks

The good news is there’s a lot you can do to help prevent drownings even when there’s no lifeguard on duty. Here are some tips. 1. Before Heading to the Beach or a Public Pool, Do Your Research The breathing side of open swimming, and particularly the rhythm of breathing, is vital for concentration. The water temperature changes all the time, which is excellent for your circulation and immune system," said Evans, who has launched a new animated Sky Original TV series Obki, inspired by her love of sea swimming. The number one way to stop people from drowning is to swim with supervision — with a lifeguard and never alone — and to learn to swim at an early age,” Fisher says.Qualified swimming coach Sarah Wiseman gives an insight into how to remain safe when swimming in the sea. Learning how to swim in the ocean comes with time and experience, and respecting the sea is one of the first steps, explained Wiseman. Is there anybody else using the beach? Are there any boat users or creel pots in the water? Are the boats motorised or with sails? There are various types of algae that occur naturally in all natural waters, but evidence suggests the one that poses the greatest risk to health is blue-green algae (cyanobacteria) in freshwaters. Sea swimming is at the riskier end of the scale due to the ever-changing conditions. A location you may consider ‘safe’ to swim one day may not be the next.

Aim to swim at a beach that is lifeguarded. If you have never been to the location, speak to the lifeguards – let them know of your plans and, most importantly, take their advice! (Be aware that they are there to manage the main swimming and surfing areas). Water wings and pool noodles are toys — not drowning prevention devices,” Smith says. Especially in the ocean, the wind and current can carry kids offshore or lure kids into deeper water to chase a toy that got away from them. “Floatable toys should be used by those who are capable to be in areas of the water safely without them,” Ramos adds. 6. Follow Any Posted Water Safety Rules

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Before you go for your swim, take a while to observe the water. Look at what is happening, how is the ocean behaving?