It's
NATIONAL WATER SAFETY MONTH!

GENERAL WATER SAFETY TIPS

• Learn to Swim and Swim Well. One of the best things anyone can do to stay safe in and around the water is learn to swim. Enroll your children in Splash in the Boro's Learn to Swim Courses today which are American Red Cross Certified!

• Always swim with a buddy; never swim alone. No one, including adults, should ever swim alone. Adults should practice "reach supervision," which means to be within arm's length of a child in case an emergency occurs.

• Outfit everyone with the proper gear. Kids-and even adults- who are not strong swimmers should use U.S. CoastGuard approved personal floatation devices (PFD) whenever they are in and around the water.

• Don't rely on substitutes. The use of floatation devices and inflatable toys CANNOT replace parental supervision. Such devices could suddenly shift position, lose air, or slip out from underneath, leaving the child in a dangerous situation.

• Read and obey all rules and posted signs.

• Watch out for the "dangerous too's"—too tired, too cold, too far from safety, too much sun, or too much strenuous activity.

WaterPark and Beach Safety

• When you go from one attraction to another, note that the water depth may be different and that the attraction should be used in a different way. Before you start down a water slide, get in the correct position--face up and feet first.

• If you cannot swim, wear a U.S. CoastGuard approved life jacket.

• Check the surf conditions before you enter the water. Check to see if a warning flag is up or check with a lifeguard for water conditions, beach conditions, or any potential hazards.

• Stay away from piers, pilings and jetties when in the water.

• Keep a lookout for aquatic life. Water plants and animals may be dangerous. Avoid patches of plants. Leave animals alone.

• Make sure you always have enough energy to swim back to shore.

• Don't try to swim against a current if caught in one. Swim gradually out of the current by swimming parallel to the shore until free from the current; then swim to shore.

• Protect your skin. Be sure to wear protective clothing and/or sunscreen.