Jumping Into A Safe Summer Swim Season
It started quietly. Thick layers of snow melted, leaving in their wake puddles and muddy sidewalks that squished under winter boots. Then, the familiar tune of songbirds filled the air during mornings where the dark veil of winter morphed into the meek first sun rays of spring. Then, all at once, people felt it - the first summer breeze! Clothes got lighter, days stretched longer and sunnier, the scent of sunscreen and barbecue lingered in the air, and now - swim season has officially begun!
Photo by Brooklyn Morgan on Unsplash
If you're anything like us, you've been awaiting this glorious time of year with anticipation. After many cold, dark months (which do have their own charm in all fairness), it's time to dig out our swim gear and hit the water! However, before we dive into the fun and games of summer, let's brush up on our water safety knowledge to ensure everyone in the water has a great time.
Before You Go Swimming
We know you're probably eager to jump into your closest and most cherished body of water this summer, but before you do, keep these few things in mind.
Check Swim Guide - We always say that water quality changes like the weather. So if you’re planning on getting in the water, make sure to check the Swim Guide for the most recent information on water quality. Knowing your water is really important - beyond water quality, always check the depth, currents, and any known hazards or restrictions for where you're planning to swim. Even if it's a familiar body of water, reviewing the conditions doesn't hurt. Plus, remember that environments change throughout the season, and things may not be exactly the same as they were last summer!
Buddy Up - Nothing screams summer fun like swimming with your friends and family, but did you know it's also a great way to stay safe in the water? Having people around you while you swim provides supervision and backup should something go wrong. This becomes especially important if people have been drinking, though it's best to avoid mixing alcohol and swimming altogether (we'll get into that shortly).
Bring Out Your Sun Protection Gear! - We get it - after a long winter, nothing beats the feeling of those warm rays of sunshine washing over you. But too much of a good thing is a bad thing! Pack plenty of sunscreen and protective clothing for your summer swimming adventures. Sun reflects off water, which intensifies burns!
Hydrate, Hydrate, Hydrate! - We can't stress the importance of stayi ng hydrated enough. All the fun of summer can make it easy to forget proper hydration, but the sun and heat can quickly dehydrate you and ruin a good time. Bring enough water for yourself and anyone else joining your swimming adventures.
Check the Weather - Always look for storm warnings and wind conditions that could create waves or dangerous situations. If conditions start looking questionable - get out of the water.
Before You Go Boating
Who doesn't love a beautiful sunny day on a boat? However, safe boating remains the goal, so check out these safety tips before you hit the water.
Bring a Life Jacket - It's non-negotiable folks - you need a life jacket. Not only that, but every single person on board needs their own properly fitting life jacket. Feel like they cramp your style? Hundreds of thousands of different life jackets exist out there. Find something that will, first of all, keep you safe, and second of all, match your vibe. Maybe even coordinate it with the boat. No matter what anyone says - safety is always in style!
Assign a Travel Buddy - Always tell someone on shore where you're going, when you expect to return, and who's with you. That way, if something does go wrong, you have someone who can help ensure your safety and contact the right authorities with the information they'll need.
Check the Weather and Water Conditions - Review forecasts, wind speeds, and any lake-specific warnings or restrictions. Bad weather not only ruins a good day on the lake, but creates real danger, so avoid it as much as possible.
Do Your Boat Check - Listen, we know this isn't the most exciting task, but it's the not-fun thing you must do before getting to the actually fun part. Life requires balance, friends. So, inspect your engine, fuel, battery, and all safety equipment.
The Rule of Thirds - Follow this good rule of thumb for fuel during boating: use one-third of a tank on your way out, one-third of a tank to come back, and keep one-third as your reserve to ensure you don't get stranded on your adventure!
Have a Communication Back-Up - Make sure your phone stays charged and waterproofed, or bring a marine radio for larger lakes.
Know the Rules - Always check for speed limits, no-wake zones, swimming areas, and boat launch protocols. We want to keep everyone safe on the water.
Do Not Drink and Drive! - This rule applies to boating as well. For more information on alcohol and water safety, check out the Lifesaving Society
Check Emergency Supplies - Check for your first aid kit, bring extra water, and have basic tools onboard in case something happens
While You're in the Water Swimming
Now that you've prepared and got all your ducks in a row, it's time to hit the water! But what should you keep in mind out there?
Feet First! - Unless you're very familiar with the depth of your swim spot and know diving is safe and allowed, always get in feet first so you can check the depth and look out for any underwater obstacles before diving or jumping.
Check Your Limit, Stay Within It - Listen, we can't all be Katie Ledecky, and there's absolutely no shame in that! Stay realistic about your swimming ability and remain within your limits. If you know you don't yet have the skills to swim a certain distance or feel comfortable in a certain depth - don't try it. Plus, if you see someone facing pressure to do something they feel goes beyond their skillset, stick up for them. We all just want to have fun in the water, and part of that means we all respect each other's abilities.
Watch for Signs of Trouble - Know what drowning actually looks like. Hint - it doesn't resemble anything you saw in Jaws. Drowning usually happens quietly, without splashing or yelling, and the person's arms typically stay down by their sides instead of waving around frantically. Their head might tilt back as they try to get air.
Take a Break! - We know, we also love spending all day in the water, but doing so safely remains important. Take time to rest, rehydrate, and reapply sunscreen throughout your swimming session, and encourage others to do the same!
Avoid Alcohol! - This applies to swimmers and boaters. Alcohol impairs your judgment, leading to risks you usually wouldn't take and hindering your ability to react to dangerous situations.
Mind the Chill - Even summer lakes can cause cold shock, so ease in gradually and listen to your body. Hypothermia can still happen in summer months too, so watch for signs and quickly get out of the water or tell your swimming buddies to exit and warm up.
Mind the Heat - Know the signs of heat exhaustion, which include dizziness, nausea, and excessive fatigue. If you notice these symptoms in yourself or a swimming buddy, immediately get out of the water, move indoors to a cool area or at least into shade, and slowly drink water.
Stay Visible - Swim where boat traffic can see you and/or within designated swim areas. Remember that bright colours are your friend out in the water, so don't shy away from wearing something that will catch people's attention - it helps keep you safe!
While You're on the Water Boating
Time for a little boat ride? Keep these things in mind:
Stay Aware - Keep an eye on weather changes, other boats, and swimmers in the water. Remember - everyone has a duty to keep each other safe.
Follow the Rules - Stick to speed limits and no-wake zones, especially near shore, docks, or swimming areas. Share the water - it's not just about being polite but keeping others safe!
Keep Your Distance - Give swimmers, other boats, and obstacles plenty of space.
Drink Water and Take Shade Breaks - Heat exhaustion affects boat operators, too!
Don't Drink and Drive! - That's right, it's so important, we're including it AGAIN. Alcohol and boating simply don't mix. The sun, dehydration, and balance required on a boat amplify alcohol's effects.
Watch Your Crew - Make sure everyone stays seated while moving... seated in an actual seat. While lounging on the bow can be fun, if no designated seating area exists there, don't use it as one. Trust us - the tan isn't worth falling out of the boat.
Monitor Your Fuel and Time - Track your fuel consumption and head back with plenty of reserve (remember the Rule of Thirds!).
Check In - Periodically update someone on shore during long trips to keep them aware of where you are, where you're headed, and how everyone's doing.
Know Right-of-Way Rules - Learn basic navigation rules to avoid collisions.
Emergency Preparedness
We really hope you won't need the information in this section during your adventure, but being prepared always wins. So, keep these things in mind.
Know Basic Rescue Techniques - Learn how to help a struggling swimmer without becoming a victim yourself (reach, row, throw - don't go!).
Recognize Drowning Signs - We're including this twice because it's crucial. Typical drowning signs include a silent, vertical position in the water with head tilted back and arms pressing down (not waving).
Know Heat-Related Emergency Signs - Understand the difference between heat exhaustion and heat stroke symptoms and what to do in each situation.
Save Emergency Contacts - Have local emergency numbers saved and know how to describe your location on the water should you need to communicate with emergency services.
Brush Up on Basic First Aid Essentials - Know what to do while waiting for help to arrive - you could save someone's life.
Man Overboard! - Know what to do if someone falls out of the boat - keep eyes on them, throw them a flotation device, and approach carefully.
Call for Help - If you ever suspect you should call for help - call for help! It's always better to be safe than sorry.
Know Your Emergency Signalling - Horn blasts, waving, and flares if you have them.
Hypothermia Awareness - Most folks don't think much about hypothermia in summer, but it remains a very present danger! Cold water can be dangerous, even in summer. Make sure you know the signs and what to do in those situations.
These safety tips will help ensure everyone has a spectacular, safe, and fun summer by the water! Remember - we all share responsibility for the water and keeping ourselves and our fellow swimmers/boaters safe. Now, get prepped and hit the water!
Sources
Clemens, Tessa, et al. "Vital Signs: Drowning Death Rates, Self-Reported Swimming Skill, Swimming Lesson Participation, and Recreational Water Exposure — United States, 2019–2023." Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 14 May 2024, www.cdc.gov/vitalsigns/drowning/index.html.
"Coast Guard Releases 2023 Recreational Boating Statistics." U.S. Coast Guard, 28 May 2024, www.news.uscg.mil/Press-Releases/Article/3788966/coast-guard-releases-2023-recreational-boating-statistics/.
"CPSC New Drowning Report Shows Increase in Child Fatalities." U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, 2024, www.cpsc.gov/Newsroom/News-Releases/2024/CPSC-New-Drowning-Report-Shows-Increase-in-Child-Fatalities.
"Drowning Prevention & Facts." American Red Cross, 2024, www.redcross.org/get-help/how-to-prepare-for-emergencies/types-of-emergencies/water-safety/drowning-prevention-and-facts.html.
"Facts & Stats About Drowning." Stop Drowning Now, 26 Nov. 2024, www.stopdrowningnow.org/drowning-statistics/.
"Just the Facts: Water Safety." Royal Canadian Mounted Police, 2024, rcmp.ca/en/gazette/just-facts-water-safety.
"Recreational Boating Statistics 2023." Water Sports Foundation, 4 June 2024, www.watersportsfoundation.com/recreational-boating-statistics-2023/.
Statistics Canada. "Water Safety, by the Numbers." Statistics Canada, 10 July 2024, www.statcan.gc.ca/o1/en/plus/6624-water-safety-numbers.
"2023 United States Coast Guard Recreational Boating Statistics Report: A Comprehensive Overview." Marine Retailers Association, 29 May 2024, mraa.com/2023-united-states-coast-guard-recreational-boating-statistics-report-a-comprehensive-overview/.
"Water Safety." Lifesaving Society, 2024, www.lifesavingsociety.com/water-safety.aspx.
"World Drowning Prevention Day." U.S. Committee for Refugees and Immigrants, 1 Aug. 2024, refugees.org/world-drowning-prevention-day-2024/.
