Orange County Real Estate: Safe Swimming

How to Stay Safe When Swimming
A little extra care before taking the plunge

One of the great things about warm temperatures is the chance to head out into the water. Lakes, rivers, oceans and swimming pools can be great places to spend some quality time. As fun as the water can be on a hot day, it can also be equally as dangerous. Even with lifeguards on duty, taking some extra precaution before taking a plunge can help you avoid tragedy this season.

1. Learn to swim. Though this sounds silly, knowing how to swim and how to stay afloat are two very different things. When in the ocean, knowing how to swim is essential to your safety. Getting caught in a dangerous undertow can be life-threatening, and simply knowing how to stay afloat won’t help much. If you’re taking children to the nearest summer hotspot, make them demonstrate to you they can swim before letting them loose in the lake, river or ocean.

2. Swim parallel to the shore. Swimming out from the shoreline leaves the possibility you’ll swim out too far and grow tired. Also, by swimming out from the shore you’re allowing the currents to pull you out as they retreat from the shoreline, something you might not recognize until it’s too late.

3. Avoid swimming near piers. Some of the strongest currents are close to piers. This can making swimming difficult for even the most accomplished swimmer, let alone a weekend novice.

4. Always supervise children when swimming. Children as well as adults can be pulled underwater in a split second. Children’s voices also don’t carry as far, meaning their cries for help might go unnoticed if you’re not paying attention.

5. Stay within the boundaries. Oftentimes, swimming beyond these can take you out of a lifeguard’s peripheral vision, leaving you all alone should an accident occur. By staying within the boundaries, you’re making the beach safer for you and those around you, as the lifeguards won’t have to spend unnecessary time directing you to the proper swimming area.

6. Stretch before you swim. Much like any physical activity, stretching beforehand is a good way to avoid cramps or sprains. Since swimming is a great exercise that works your whole body, make sure you stretch effectively before going into the water.

7. Don’t panic. Though experiencing trouble in the water can be a frightening experience, panicking will only make things worse. Strong undertows can make you feel very helpless, but raising one arm up and remaining afloat while calling for help is a good way to avoid tragedy.

8. Avoid boats and other watercraft. When in the ocean or on a lake, you become less visible to someone driving a boat. Yelling at an on coming watercraft might not hear because the roar of a boat engine may easily drown out your voice. Stay a minimum of several hundred feet away from a boat to avoid any serious injury. Also steer clear of jet skis. Some jet skiers are daredevils or reckless, and they may not notice you in the water as they speed by.

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