Drowning can occur quickly and silently, wherever there is water. Join the Red Cross in keeping vigilant watch over our family, friends and neighbors this summer – and for life
The following tips are layers of protection that will help people stay safe in and around the water:
- Do your part, be water smart! Ensure that all family members learn to swim well.
- Children and adults should be able to perform all five steps of water competency. If you can’t, look for Red Cross Learn-to-Swim classes.
- Adults: actively supervise children. And kids: follow the rules!
- Don’t fool with a pool: fence it in. Enclose your pool and spa with four-sided, four foot fencing and use self-closing, self-latching gates.
- Don’t just pack it; wear your U.S. Coast Guard-approved life jacket – always on a boat and if you are in a situation beyond your skill level.
- Inflatable children’s toys and water wings can be fun, but they are no substitute for a life jacket and adult supervision.
- Swim as a pair near a lifeguard’s chair – everyone, including experienced swimmers, should swim with a buddy in areas protected by lifeguards.
- Reach or throw, don’t go! Know what to do to help someone in trouble, without
Put water safety in the palm of your hands—download the Red Cross Swim App.
- The Red Cross Swim App promotes water safety education and helps parents and caregivers of young people learning how to swim.
- The app has features specifically designed for children, including a variety of kidfriendly games, videos and quizzes.
- People can download the app for free by searching for ‘American Red Cross’ in their app store or at redcross.org/apps.