Water Safety Tips: Safe Swimming in Pools and Open Water

Whether you’re swimming in a pool, enjoying a day at the beach or keeping an eye on the kids as they splash and play, water safety should always be a priority.  

“Swimming is a great way to cool off, have fun and get exercise in the summer, but there are some risks to keep in mind,” says Covenant Health family physician Stacy Hicks, MD.  “Think safety and prevention first.” 

Water Safety Tips for Every Age 

The Importance of Learning to Swim

Dr. Hicks says drowning is the No. 1 cause of unintentional death in all age groups, but especially for those under the age of 14. Dr. Hicks and Harry Baek, aquatics manager at Fort Sanders Health and Fitness Center, say one of the best water safety tips is to learn how to swim. 

“I believe the most important thing when it comes to water safety is proactivity,” says Baek. “The last thing we want is to be reactive to something that has already happened.” 

How Safe is the Water?

Swimming in cool, clear water on a hot day is great, but the water may not be quite as clear as it seems. There’s often an unseen threat of swimming-related illnesses from contaminated water or even from the chemicals that may surround it. 

“Avoid swallowing the water you swim in, rinse off in a shower before and after swimming to remove germs, and wash your hands with soap and water after using the bathroom or changing a diaper,” Dr. Hicks advises. “Don’t swim when you have diarrhea illness and don’t swim for a couple of weeks if you’ve been diagnosed with cryptosporidium diarrhea.” This type of diarrhea is caused by a microscopic parasite that can live in water, food, soil or on surfaces that have been contaminated.  

Other Water Safety Tips and Guidelines 

• Play by the rules. Follow posted safety signs and obey lifeguards or others entrusted with swimmers’ safety. 
• Get the right gear. Always use a well-fitted life jacket for boating and water sports. Encourage children to use protective flotation support. 
• Avoid Alcohol. Consuming alcohol can impair judgment and coordination, increasing the risk of accidents. 
• Check the weather. Avoid water activities during thunderstorms or when there are strong winds. On hot and sunny days take plenty of breaks for hydration and sun protection. 

Swimming Safety in Pools 

Whether you are swimming in a public pool or at home, Dr. Hicks recommends giving some thought to how the pool is set up before jumping into the water with friends and family. 

• Manage the area. For a home pool, install fences with self-latching gates. Keep the swimming area clear and use a pool cover when the pool is not in use. These water safety tips help prevent unsupervised access by children. At public pools, make sure the pool area is safe, secure and supervised.
• Establish pool rules. Set clear rules for pool use such as no running, no diving in shallow areas and no swimming alone. 
• Watch where you swim. Avoid swimming close to drains near the bottom of the pool. Be aware of slippery spots near the water. 

Swimming Safety in Open Water 

Nothing beats the beauty of a body of water situated in a natural area. But with no boundaries and no way to know for certain what’s underneath and nearby, it’s important to remain alert.

Water safety tips for lakes, rivers and oceans include:

• Be aware of currents. Avoid fast-moving currents, rapids or waves. If you’re caught in a rip current, swim parallel to the shore, gradually working your way to safety.
• Wear appropriate gear. Use wetsuits or other protective gear when swimming in cold water and use a life jacket for boating and water sports. 
• Swim in designated areas. Stay in areas designated for swimming and, if possible, where lifeguards are present. Avoid swimming alone. Do not attempt to swim in areas that are too challenging for your strength or skills.

Water Safety Rules for Kids 

Dr. Hicks advises talking to children about water risks with honesty and compassion, emphasizing fun and safety together. “When you talk to a child about water safety, you might compare it to using a car seat or seatbelt to stay safe,” Dr. Hicks says.  

Teach young swimmers these essential water safety rules: 

• Always ask permission. Children should ask an adult for permission before going near water; small children should stay within arm’s reach. 
• No rough play. Discourage roughhousing or pushing others into the water. 
• Learn rescue skills. Older children can learn basic water rescue techniques like throwing a flotation device to someone in trouble without getting into the water themselves. 

Never leave children unattended near water. Even strong swimmers need supervision, especially in unfamiliar environments. Drowning can occur quickly and in very shallow water.  

What to Do if Someone is Drowning 

If a water safety emergency occurs, “stay calm in a crisis or mishap,” Dr. Hicks says, “and consider getting basic life-support training so you are prepared for an emergency.” 

Knowing how to respond in a drowning situation can save a life. Here’s what to do: 

• Call for help. Immediately alert a lifeguard or call emergency services if you see someone drowning. 
• Reach or throw, don’t go. If the person is within reach, use a long object to pull them to safetty. If they are farther away, throw a flotation device. 
• Perform rescue breathing and CPR. If the person is unresponsive, begin rescue breathing and CPR if you are trained to do so. Continue until emergency responders arrive. 
• Stay calm. Keep calm to avoid putting yourself in danger and to provide clear instructions to others. 
• Seek medical attention. Even if the person appears to recover, seek medical attention immediately to avoid complications that may come later. 

When to Call for Help 

Call 911 if a person in trouble experiences any of the following: 

• Choking or trouble breathing 
• Unconsciousness or lack of responsiveness 
• Heart attack or stroke 
• Asthma attack, allergic reaction or seizure (rhythmic jerking or unconsciousness) 
• Bleeding that doesn’t stop with direct pressure 
• A cut or burn that is large, deep or involving the head, chest or abdomen 
• A sudden inability to move 
• Skin or lips that look blue, purple or gray 
• A head injury with loss of consciousness, confusion, vomiting or poor skin color 
• Serious injury resulting from an accident 

Schedule a visit with a doctor if minor injuries or illnesses don’t improve in a few days. 

Swimming Lessons at Fort Sanders Health and Fitness Center

Fort Sanders Health and Fitness Center in Knoxville, Tennessee, offers private and group swim lessons for all levels of ability. At the fitness center, 400+ swimming lessons take place each month for people of all ages, starting at six months. Members can learn basic water safety, competitive swimming and even triathlon training.  Baek has a passion for helping kids move from being safe swimmers to swimming champions with the center’s competitive Storm Team.  

“Our Olympic-level coaches are able to work on technique, conditioning and stroke refinement for more efficient swimming,” Baek says. The fitness center also offers aqua aerobics, American Red Cross-certified lifeguard classes and re-certification classes.  

For information about aquatics and swimming lessons, call 865-531-5000 or visit the Fort Sanders Health and Fitness Center website.