Swimming Safety

Swimming Rules

• Always swim with a buddy.
• Swim only in areas that have a lifeguard.
• Stay out of the water when you are very tired, very cold, or overheated.
• Follow all swimming rules posted at the swimming area.
• Obey the lifeguard’s instruction.
• If you can’t see the bottom of the pool in the deep end or the water is cloudy, don’t swim there.
• Avoid swimming at night in unlighted areas.
• Don’t chew gum or eat while swimming, you could choke.
• Do not push, shove, or run near the water, horseplay can be dangerous.
• Get out of the water if you see lightning or hear thunder.
• Swim a safe distance away from diving boards and slides. Never swim under them.
• Never swim near a dam or boat ramp.
• Avoid swimming in river currents.

Rules for Pool Slides

• Slides should be at the deep end of the pools so that the entry is into water least eight feet and away from diving areas.

• Go down feet first in a sitting position. (Going down headfirst is dangerous-you could injure your head, neck, or back.)

Rules for the Beach

• Know where the nearest lifeguard stand is.
• Be sure you know the surf conditions before you enter the water.
• Check for warning flags.
• Observe danger signs.
• Swim well away from piers, pilings, and diving platforms.
• Be on the lookout for dangerous marine life
• If you swim out from shore, remember you have to swim back.

• If you are caught in a current, don’t try to fight it or swim against it. You can make it back to shore by swimming gradually away from it.

• Don’t let any one pressure you into a dangerous stunt.

Rules for Water Park Slides, Flumes and Wave Pools

• Be sure all areas have a lifeguard.
• Position yourself carefully before you start down.
• Don’t get pressured into a stunt.
• In a wave pool be sure you know how deep the water will be when the wave pool is turned on.