Whether you are working or enjoying recreational activities near water, the best water hazard insurance you can have is learning to swim and teaching your family to swim. American Red Cross statistics reveal that one-half of the annual drowning incidents happen within 30 feet of safety. SafetyEd heard this fact and grabbed the life vest ASAP!
Never work alone near water, or swim alone. Know the area where you are working or swimming and do not exceed your ability. Know where the swift currents are. Find out about drop-offs, deep holes, and rocky areas. A few commonsense items that could save your life that SafetyEd has thought out:
- Wear flotation devices while working on docks or piers, or while boating. Always keep them buckled, snapped or zipped, so if you fall in, they will stay on.
- Do not mix drinking and swimming. Over ten percent of all drowning victims had consumed alcoholic beverages.
- Swimming requires a lot of energy and makes muscles susceptible to cramps. If you lose energy, rest on your back in a floating position, and use a minimum amount of motion.
- Water Temperature: Cold water can cause shock to the body.
- The old saying you heard as a child is true – Don’t go swimming immediately after eating or any vigorous exercise. This may cause severe cramps.
- Consult with your local municipality, Coast Guard office, American Red Cross office, and other authorities for additional water safety tips, rules, and regulations.
Finally, abide by the safety rules at all times, on and off the job-when around water. Share these rules and enforce them with your family or children. Do not let a drowning tragedy strike your workplace or any members of your family.