Are you ready for the warm weather?

As the weather finally begins to warm up here in Buffalo, we’re tempted to start hopping into our pools for some warm weather relief, but STOP!! Before you and your family open up the pool this summer or begins to swim in one of Buffalo’s many community centers or lakes, we urge you to take a few moments to read over some water safety tips, take a water safety class, become certified in CPR and maybe even become a certified lifeguard!!

Photo courtesy of the
Calhoun Branch American Red Cross



Did you know, that in a recent American Red Cross Survey, almost 50% of adults said that they’ve had an experience where they’ve nearly drowned and 1 in 4 adults surveyed knows someone who has drown?



AND

Over 90% of families with young children here in American will be in the water at some point this summer, where 50% of the adults surveyed said that they’d be in the water without a lifeguard!!

It’s so important that everyone follows the basics in water safety which includes:

·         Swimming in the designated areas supervise by lifeguards

·         Always swim with a buddy; don’t allow anyone to swim alone!!

·         Ensure that everyone in the family learns to swim well

·         Enroll in age-appropriate Red Cross water orientation and Learn-to-Swim courses

·         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

·         Have young children or inexperienced swimmers wear U.S. Coast Guard-approved life jackets around water, but do not rely on life jackets alone.

·         MAINTAIN CONSTANT SUPERVISION

o   If you have a pool, secure it with appropriate barriers—many children who drown in home pools were out of sight for less than 5 minutes and in the care of one or both parents at the time.

o    Actively supervise children whenever around water—even if lifeguards are present.

o   Always stay within arm’s reach of young children.

o    Avoid distractions when supervising children around water.

·         KNOW HOW TO RESPOND TO AN AQUATIC EMERGENCY

o   If a child is missing, check the water first. Seconds count in preventing death or disability

o   Know how and when to call 9-1-1 or the local emergency number

o   Enroll in Red Cross water safety, first aid and CPR courses to learn how to respond.

o    Have appropriate equipment, such as reaching or throwing equipment, a cell phone, life jackets and a first aid kit



For more information on water safety or to distribute this information around your neighborhood or local pools, click here for a flyer!! To learn more about water safety and the water safety programs we offer here at the American Red Cross, call us at 886-7500 or visit us online.