Swimming Safety

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Tori Schultz
  • 6th Air Mobility Wing public affairs
Swimming is a great recreational sport that can be enjoyed by people of all ages. Whether you are swimming in a pool, lake, ocean, or water park there are safety measures that should be taken.

While swimming in the ocean or a lake, rip currents, sand bars and water creatures are potential safety concerns.

A rip current happens when water that has built up on the shore returns to the ocean. Rip currents are often found near fixed objects, like piers and reefs, which are often no swimming areas. If you swim into a rip current and are being pulled out to sea, don't panic, swim parallel to the shore until you feel the pulling stop and then swim back to shore.

Sandbars are long masses or low ridges of submerged or partially exposed sand built up in the water along a shore or beach by the action of waves or currents. Swimmers, surfers and divers can be knocked unconscious if they are not aware of the location of a sandbar.

Jellyfish, sharks, and sting rays are some water creatures that you can come across while swimming. To avoid getting stung by a sting ray, do the "sting-ray shuffle" and shuffle your feet along the ground instead of walking. If stung by a jellyfish, seek medical attention and look for any allergic reactions. The chances of a shark attack are slim, but if you see a shark get out of the water and notify other swimmers.

Children of all ages need to be closely supervised by an adult at all times while swimming, whether it is in a pool, lake, ocean, or water park.

Never leave a young child unattended near water and do not trust a child's life to another child; teach children to always ask permission to go near water. If a child is missing, check the water first. Children and inexperienced swimmers should wear an approved life jacket around water.

Simply following the rules and practicing risk management can decrease accidents and improve safety. Summer is a great time for family and friends to come together and create lasting memories. Utilizing simple safety tips can help keep everyone safe and out of harm's way.