With Labor Day just around the corner, all the fun activities we associate with that weekend are warming up! Swimming is such a big part of summer. Whether it’s in a pool, lake, ocean or river, it’s essential to make sure you and your family are safe. Swim safety doesn’t just mean knowing how to swim properly, it means being prepared and protecting yourself from the sun and other possible injuries.
While swimming can be a fun way to beat the summer heat, it only takes a split second for tragedy to strike. It’s important to always make sure that you are prepared for your swim excursion!
Prepare For The Unexpected
The Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has several ways to help make sure your swim time is safe and relaxing! The CDC recommends that someone in your family knows how to perform Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) or operate an Automated External Defibrillator (AED) in case of an emergency.
The Red Cross Organization offers online and in-person classes for CPR and AED training. For information on how and where to become CPR certified in your area, visit the Red Cross training and certification page on their website . The Red Cross also has a database for swimming lessons and safety for preventative measures for your child. A child as young as 12 months can learn life-saving measures should they fall into a body of water. Luckily, the Red Cross also provides information on where to find swimming lessons near you!
The CDC also has helpful information on safe water practices and how to protect your family from any possible waterborne illnesses. According to the CDC, “You can get recreational water illnesses if you swallow, have contact with, or breathe in mists or aerosols from water contaminated with germs.” The CDC provides a breakdown of water and swim safety information in your area that can keep you and your family out of harm’s way. You’ll be able to look up pools, hot tubs, rivers, lakes and more to see if the water is safe to swim in.
Have Fun In The Sun
Protecting your children from the harmful UV rays can be challenging but very important. Make sure that you are applying a sunblock that protects you from UVA or UVB rays and is at least an SPF of 15. According to the CDC, “Sunscreen is not recommended for babies who are six months old or younger. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration recommends keeping infants out of the sun during the middle part of the day and using protective clothing if they have to be in the sun.” In addition to sunblock, take breaks from the sun wherever you can find some shade and wear protective gear such as a hat and sunglasses.
We’re Here When You Need Us
Freedom Urgent Care specializes in treating minor injuries and illnesses, including swimmer’s ear and bad sunburns. You can check-in online or schedule a “Virtual Visit” using your smartphone, tablet or your home computer. Walk-ins are welcome seven days a week. No appointment is ever necessary. Meanwhile, if you are experiencing a medical emergency, always go to the nearest emergency room and/or dial 911.