May is National Water Safety Month

As the weather warms up, pools are preparing to open and crowds are gearing up to head to the beach. National Water Safety Month is the perfect time to ensure you and your family are prepared to spend a fun, safe day by the water be it by a pool or body of water.

Swimming is the most popular summer activity. While the best thing you can do to help your family stay safe is to enroll in age-appropriate swim lessons, it is also important to follow these rules whenever you are in or around water acording to the American Red Cross:

• Swim in designated areas supervised by lifeguards
• Always swim with a buddy
• Never leave a small child unattended
• Have young children or inexperienced swimmers wear U.S. Coast Guard-approved life jackets around water, but do not rely on life jackets alone
• Establish water safety rules for your family and enforce them without fail
• If you go boating, wear a life jacket! Most boating fatalities occur from drowning
• Avoid alcohol use. Alcohol impairs judgment, balance and coordination; affects swimming and diving skills; and reduces the body’s ability to stay warm

 Take a minute today to sign up for a swimming course and review water safety tips before summer arrives.