U.S. Navy photo by Doug Miller
Ella Finley tries swimming to her grandmother, Kathi Finley, at the outdoor pool last week.
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Watch that water!
With summer now in full swing, remember to practice good safety sense.
Many off-duty recreational fatalities involve water-related activities. People can drown in a pond or a pool, when caught in a rip tide at the shore, or while snorkeling. Stay safe around water.
Many people overestimate their ability as swimmers and underestimate the risk involved in areas where they plan to swim. If you had a few lessons as a child but arent highly skilled, the water can be a dangerous place. Also, alcohol is too often involved when we hit the lake or the beach. When the demands of the water go beyond a swimmer's comfortable skill level, people impaired by alcohol are more likely to panic and forget how to get themselves to safety.
Naval Safety Center fatality statistics show we need to pay more attention to water activities.
To stay safe:
Never swim or enter the water alone.
Review the dangers of the waterway before entering the water.
Watch out for the safety of the people around you.
Consider taking refresher swimming lessons, water survival and CPR skills training.
Seek training in any water sport you intend to do, such as snorkeling or scuba diving. Get training in how to recognize a rip tide area and how to safely handle it if you get caught in a rip tide.
Play it safe this summer; take the dangers of water seriously and protect yourself, your friends and your family.