General Water Safety

How can I tell if someone is in trouble in the water?
1. Look at their facial expression. Are they scared or staring blindly?
2. Are they staring at a safe point (edge of the pool, shore)?
3. Is their body in a vertical position?
4. Are they gesturing wildly or gasping for air?
5. Are they yelling for help? (Actually, this rarely happens.)

What can I do to help a person having difficulty in the water?
1. Talk to them, calm them down.
2. Get them to try to swim to a safer place (shallow part of the pool).
3. Throw a floatable object.
4. Get a lifeguard or call out for help.
5. Don’t go into the water unless you’re a certified lifeguard or have been trained.

What can I do to ensure my own safety in a water park?
1. Listen to park staff and lifeguards.
2. Wait for the signal before going down the slide.
3. Slide feet first.
4. Have a buddy, and stay with them all the time.
5. In any pool, never go deeper than what feels comfortable.

What can I do to ensure my safety at a beach?
1. Never go alone.
2. Watch out for waves: they can knock you down.
3. Don’t swim too far from the shore: you might get too tired to make it back.
4. Watch out for undercurrents.

What should I know about undercurrents?
1. They are dangerous.
2. They can drag you away from the shore.
3. They can also push you sideways away from where you entered the water.

How do I choose a Personal Flotation Device (PFD)?
1. Be sure it is approved by the Department of Transport.
2. Choose one that is red, orange or yellow, so you can be easily spotted if you get into danger.
3. Be sure it fits properly: too big and it may slide off; too small and it could restrict your movements.

How do I keep my PFD in good condition?
1. Rinse it in fresh water and soft soap. Don’t use detergents or solvents.
2. Hang it to dry (never put it in a dryer or near any heat source).