Safety — when it comes to pools, lakes, beaches or any body of water — is something everyone can and should pay attention too. But how does one stay safe in an atmosphere where there are potential dangers like drowning, slippery surfaces, and even harmful chemicals? Thankfully, there are usually lifeguards in these areas to help keep people safe. However, it is always important for each person to act responsible for the safety of themselves and the people around them. As warmer weather is on the horizon, I wanted to share some tips on what you can do to stay safe, as well as how to react if a dangerous situation were to arise.

How to Avoid the Danger

As a lifeguard we are trained in water rescues and first aid, and we are also trained in preventative measures that we or patrons can take to prevent injuries or drowning. Continue reading for insider info on the tools of the water safety trade.

First, make sure you pay attention to the depth of the pool, especially if you don’t know how to swim or aren’t a very skilled swimmer. Sometimes if we are sitting on the edge of the pool or wading in the water and not paying attention, it’s easier to get caught in a dangerous situation where drowning could occur.

Next, you can maximize your safety by swimming with a buddy. If something were to happen, you or your buddy can notice and quickly help or get help, which may save a life.

How to Save a life

Unfortunately, no matter how safe you try to be, accidents and injuries can still occur. When the worst happens, there is no guarantee that a lifeguard will be there right away to help.

No matter how scary the situation, its incredibly important to stay calm. Panicking never helps and can even lead to more accidents and injuries. If you ever find yourself in a dangerous situation, be a calming presence. This will help everyone to remain calm and work together toward a solution.

To give a practical example, pretend you are at the pool and see someone drowning near the edge of the pool, but there is no lifeguard on duty to save them. Even without training, you can save them as long as you remain calm and use the right approach. Jumping in the pool to save them is not a smart idea without any training, however anyone can kneel at the edge of the pool and offer a helping hand to get that victim to safety.

I hope these tips are helpful and that you keep them in mind next time you go for a swim! Learn more about Campus Recreation’s aquatics facility and programming at Liberty.edu/CampusRec/Aquatics.