Prevention

As with any accident, prevention is the key. If in doubt, then stay out of the water.

• Avoid drinking alcohol prior to swimming or boating.
  
  
• Avoid contact with marine life such as jellyfish and coral.
  
  
• Cover or empty all large containers of water to prevent a small child from falling in.
  
  
• Check the depth of the water before diving. The Red Cross recommends a depth of 9 feet for a10 ft high diving board. Increasing depths are needed for platform and cliff diving. The higher the dive, the deeper the water needs to be.
  
  
• Do not have older children watch younger children because they are not trained enough or mature enough for this responsibility.
  
  
• Make sure the ice is thick enough to avoid falling through.
  
  
• Fence all pools and spas.
  
  
• Keep electrical appliances and toys away from the water.
  
  
• Know the weather conditions and location of underwater hazards before entering the water.
  
  
• Learn and observe water and boating safety rules.
  
  
• Always wear life jackets especially on open water.
  
  
• Never allow yourself or children to swim alone or unsupervised.
  
  
• Carry a cordless or cellular phone outdoors so you can call for help.
  
  
• Take CPR and water life-saving classes.
  
  
• Watch for dangerous waves and rip currents (choppy foamy water). If you get caught in a rip current, swim parallel to shore until you get out of it, then swim toward shore.
  
  
• Someone with underlying medical illnesses such as seizures, diabetes, heart disease, severe arthritis, and dementia should be cautious about entering the water without supervision.