By Joyce Knorr
Aroostook County Branch Manager
School is out and summer is officially here! Neighborhood pools are beginning to open all around “The County.” Weekend boaters are seen caravanning up Route 161 to the lakes, while vacationers are heading to the coast. Although the warmer months in northern Maine are not long enough, it’s important to make sure you and your family stays safe when taking advantage of fun in the sun and being in and around the water.
Before you head out to the pool, lake, or travel to the beach, pay close attention to the water safety tips below:
Learn to swim
The simplest way to prevent accidents from happening in and around the water begin with learning how to swim. The American Red Cross has been the leader in aquatics for more than 90 years. You won’t find a more complete program addressing the needs of all swimmers – and all ages.
According to Joyce Price, Presque Isle Indoor Pool director and Aroostook County Red Cross Advisory Committee Member, “The National Safety Council (NSC) reports that drowning claims the lives of more than 3,000 people each year, and children four and younger have the highest death rate due to drowning. Our new ‘Learn-to-Swim’ courses are based on market research to ensure that Red Cross swimming instruction exceeds the expectations of parents and keeps them involved in the learning process. Aquatic and safety skills are taught in a natural progression of six skill levels, including stroke development and refinement and general water safety.”
To find out more about swimming classes, contact your local recreation department or call your local Red Cross office at 762-5671.
Be a Lifeguard
Most related injuries happen when parents take their eyes off their children. When unsupervised, children can drown in just a few inches of water. Whether your child is enjoying the water at the local swimming pool or taking a dip in your own backyard, it is important to know these tips:
• Never leave a child alone or unattended near the water. Even if there is a trained lifeguard on duty, parents should practice “reach supervision” which means to be within an arm’s length of a child in case of an emergency.
• Children and adults who are not strong enough to swim on their own should use U.S. Coast Guard-approved personal flotation devices (PFDs). But remember, PFDs cannot replace parental supervision.
• Children and adults should always swim with a buddy and be knowledgeable of the water environment, taking notice of deep and shallow areas, currents, exit areas and obstructions.
• Watch out for danger signals when you or your child become too tired, too cold, too far from safety, too much sun and too much strenuous activity.
Use your head
Water safety begins by using your head, not your arms and legs! Use common-sense precautions such as:
• Read and obey all signs and rules posted.
• Never drink alcohol when planning on swimming or boating. Alcohol impairs your judgment, balance, coordination and affects your swimming and diving skills. It also reduces your body’s ability to stay warm.
• Check your local weather report for potential storms. Get out of the water at the first indication of bad weather.
• When going to the outdoor pool, beach, or lake, be sure to take along sunscreen, sunglasses, and plenty of water in plastic containers for everyone to keep hydrated.
• Learn CPR and first aid from your local branch office. Classes are offered on a regular basis. Call 762-5671 for information on upcoming class schedules.
Keep Water Clean
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) indicate that outbreaks of recreational water illnesses (RWI) are on the rise – mainly because of low public awareness of what they are and how they spread. RWIs can cause ear, eye, respiratory, and neurological infections and can be transmitted by chlorine-resistant germs – especially at poorly-maintained pools. Proper disinfection of chlorinated pools will eliminate many germs that cause RWIs. The CDC recommends that swimmers follow these general rules to help prevent the spread of RWIs:
• Don’t swim when you have diarrhea.
• Don’t swallow pool water.
• Take children for bathroom breaks and check diapers often.
• Change diapers in a bathroom and at poolside.
• Shower thoroughly before swimming.
The wonderful summer season can be enjoyed by all! Water recreation provides great exercise and is fun and exciting! The Aroostook County Branch of the American Red Cross – Pine Tree Chapter hopes that you will use these tips to ensure your family stays happy and safe this summer!
