MEMBERS

Nothing is better than taking a swim on a hot day.  Before you go there a certain safety precautions you should take.

Water Safety

• Adult Supervision - Swim with an adult in charge who is trained in water safety.
• Safe - Make sure the swimming place is cleared of hazards.  If swimming in a pool make sure the areas are marked; 31/2 ft for non swimmers, deep for beginners, deeper for swimmers. Do not swim in water that is deeper than you are capable of being in.  Never dive into water where you can not see the bottom - only dive in marked diving areas of the pool.
• Be a Life Guard - Strong swimmers should take turn helping the adult in charge.  Take turns on the shore with a life line ready to help.
• Lookout - At least one person should be able to see the entire area and send help where needed. 
• Buddy System - Everyone should swim with a partner.  You are responsible for each others safety.  
• Follow the Safety Rules - Everyone is responsible for following the safety rules. When swimming at a center make sure you know the facility's rules.
• Life Saving Equipment - Before you go into the water, make sure you know the location of the life saving equipment.

Water Rescue

The most important way to handle any emergency situation is to "Keep your head!" Stay calm. A calm person is always able to think. Don’t panic. Get someone to help you.  Avoid going into the water to save someone—alert a lifeguard or the adult who is with you. 

Every person should know how to swim* and every person should be able to assist someone in trouble in the water.

An important point in attempting a water rescue is this: NEVER do it by swimming if you can do it in a safe way, without risk to your own life.  The safer ways are reaching, throwing, or going with support.

• Reach - Most water accidents happen close to shore or dock.  You may be able to reach the victim with a helping hand, leg, pole, or branch. 
• Throw - A properly equipped waterfront will have a ring buoy prominently displayed, ready for immediate use. Use it. If a buoy is not available look for a long rope.
• Go with Support - Too far to reach with a rope? Then get into a boat or canoe or onto a surfboard and go to the victim's assistance.

If Everything Else Fails

Under extreme circumstances, you may have to swim out to help a drowning person. Never attempt a swimming rescue unless you are and excellent swimmer.  You can't help them if you are drown.

If there is no other way to assist someone who is drowning:

1. Quickly strip down to under clothes while keeping the victim in sight the whole time.  
2. Take your shirt between your teeth at the back of the collar and swim rapidly toward the victim. 
3. When near, but still beyond arms reach*, grasp the shirt in one hand and flip the other end of it into the victims hands. 
4. When he grabs it, tow him to safety.

*Check listings at your local YMCA or Recreation Center for available swimming classes.

** A person who is drowning goes into a state of panic.  If you get close to them in the water they will try to climb on top of you, thus drowning you as well.