Water Safety Tips for This Holiday Weekend

The close of summer is upon us and I’m sure there will be a lot of you enjoying lake festivities this weekend. I thought I’d pass along some tips for the safety of you and your family. I know some of these are common sense but here you go.

Make sure all children in your group know how to swim.

Swim in lifeguard supervised areas if at all possible. BUT YOU BE YOUR CHILDREN’S LIFEGUARD TOO.

Children and inexperienced swimmers should wear U.S. Coast Guard approved flotation devices.
(not blow up arm floaties, these can leak and deflate) some lakes require children under a certain age to wear life jackets.

Use feet first when entering water (not diving)

Set water rules for the whole family based on the swimming experience of each swimmer.

Don’t mix alcohol with swimming and boating. Boating while intoxicated fines are pretty hefty.

Watch for stumps and other hazzards since our lakes are low from lack of rain.

Never swim alone or let kids swim alone.

Those of you with babies and toddlers remember the old saying; a baby can drown in an inch of water.

My personal favorite – If it’s lightning, GET OUT OF THE WATER AND SEEK SHELTER INSIDE.

Have a great holiday weekend and God bless,
Bill

PS. Since posting this a few minutes ago, I've heard there has been a girl who drowned at an area lake. Please be careful.