Four rules to keep you, your family and friends safe near water this summer
Summertime at the beach and pool – you’re in the fun zone! But you also need to make sure it’s the Safe Zone. Because drowning can happen quickly and silently, and understanding the dangers of the sea and the pool doesn’t just happen. You’ve got to make it happen. So get to know the four water safety rules and stay in the Safe Zone this summer.
Rule 1: Swim between the flags
Look out for the red-and-yellow flags at the beach. Official lifeguards place flags to show you which part of the sea is safe to swim in – outside of those flags, you can get into trouble, like being swept up in strong rip currents.
Rule 1: Swim between the flags
The Safe Zone is to always swim between red-and-yellow the flags.
Rule 2: Always watch kids near water
Children can drown in just 20 seconds, even in shallow water. Keep them in the Safe Zone by watching them at all times, anywhere near water. It’s best to discuss and agree on one adult to watch kids – never assume other people are watching for safety.
Rule 2: Always watch kids near water
The Safe Zone is for an adult to always keep an eye on children anywhere near water.
Rule 3: Don’t drink and swim
Swimming and drinking alcohol – not a good mix. Always stay sober when going for a swim in the sea or in a pool. Accidents and drownings can happen quickly, and you need to be 100% aware. So make sure whatever you drink near water is 0% alcohol.
Rule 3: Don’t drink and swim
The Safe Zone is not to drink when you are going to swim.
Rule 4: Stay away from rip currents
Rip currents are like powerful ‘rivers’ in the ocean that can pull even the strongest swimmer a long way from shore. Rather stay in the Safe Zone – swim between the flags, and at beaches where there are lifeguards on duty.
What do to if you get caught in a rip current:
- Stay calm.
- Don’t try to swim against the rip current to get straight back to the beach.
- Swim
parallel to the beach (across the current) and wave for help.
- Or tread water and wait. The current will slow and push you to one side. Wave for help or swim back to the beach once you’re out of the current.
Rule 4: Stay away from rip currents
The Safe Zone is to stay away from rip currents, and to only swim between the red-and-yellow flags.
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