Health - Water Safety Questions and Answers Graded A+

Health - Water Safety Questions and Answers Graded A+ Number 1 danger around water Drowning Dangers in and around a pool - Pool depth - Slippery tiles - Chemical burns from chlorine - Ladders and stairs - Diving boards Look for and read the signs Read the signs posted in a swimming area and follow the safety information. Signs and rules are there to protect you and to keep pools clean and germ-free. Walk, do not run Never run on the pool deck.This area can be very slippery, especially when there is water on the deck. Be careful getting in and out of the pool Use a handrail whenever possible to prevent slipping or falling. When getting out of the water, avoid climbing on slippery or other unstable surfaces. Look before you leap or dive in Only dive into areas where it is safe to dive. Look for no diving signs. Check your surroundings Always check your surroundings and enter the water slowly with your feet first. Check the area each time before you enter the water, as swimming conditions or surroundings may change. You may not always be able to see underwater swimmers, toys and other objects that can cause harm. Stay within your abilities When you go in the water, swim only where you feel comfortable. Do not go farther or deeper than you can handle. At beaches, swim parallel to the shore, and stay inside marked areas. Be aware that cold water or rough conditions can impact your swimming abilities. Never swim alone Use the "buddy system" and take a friend or responsible adult with you who is a strong swimmer. Make sure you watch out for each other. Even when a lifeguard is around, it is best to have a "buddy". Play carefully Wrestling and tumbling in any water body can be very dangerous. You could hit your head against pool walls, floors or rocks and become unconscious. If this happens and you do not get help quickly, you could drown. Watch for hazards Never play around skimmers or pool drains. In a pool or hot tub water is always pumping through a filter system. The filter pulls water out of the pool through a drain and into pipes. Parts of your body, fingers, toes, arms, legs or torso and hair can easily become caught in the suction of these drains. Drains with strong suction can hold you under water and possibly lead to drowning. If you have long hair, you should wear a bathing cap or securely tie back your hair in a short braid or bun. You should never put your head underwater in a whirlpool or hot tub. Limited Visibility Water in rivers, lakes and seas can be murky, hiding hazards such as rocks, logs and uneven surfaces. Limited visibility can also make it difficult to see if someone falls in. If lifeguards are present, ask about the safest area to swim. When entering unfamiliar water, go in feet first and wade out slowly. Depth, Distance and Drop-offs Unlike a pool, open water rarely has depth markings, making it difficult to know exactly what the depth is. When swimming in open water, it can also be hard to perceive distance from the shore. Additionally, while there may be a gradual slope as you enter the water near shore, there might be a sudden drop-off further out. When looking for safe place to swim, choose a designated swimming area and check for signs warning about potential hazards. Currents and Tides Currents in open water can be fast-moving and unpredictable. While some strong currents such as rapids are visible, others can flow under the water's surface. In oceans or lakes, waves and rip currents can be dangerous. You should avoid swimming at unsupervised beaches or in areas not designated for swimming. Before swimming in open water, make sure you know how to deal with a crashing wave and escape a rip tide or strong current. Water Temperature Open water is usually colder than water in a pool, which can affect your swimming ability. What's more, falling into cold water can result in shock, which can lead to panic and even drowning. When participating in boating or other recreational water activities, you should remember to dress for the water temperature, rather than the air temperature, and to always wear a government approved life vest. Weather and Seasonal Differences Changes in the weather can make open water more hazardous. Heavy rains and flooding can create strong currents and rapidly change the depth and clarity of water. You should also be aware of man-made storm channels and reservoirs that can be empty one minute and full of water the next. If you are planning an outing that involves open water, check the weather and water conditions before you leave home and again when you arrive. Stay alert for changes while you are on site and always stay out of the water if you hear thunder or see lightning.