Sports Safety Tips - Part 2

Take your time and do your homework

Whatever sport you’re enjoying on the water, make sure that everyone is comfortable with the sport and certified if necessary. Be sure to go at the pace of the least comfortable person in your group. Define any hand signals you plan to use ahead of time and check that everyone is familiar with them.

Watch out for the children

Children under 16 should be supervised by an adult at all times when on or around the water. Drowning is the second leading cause of death for children between the ages of 1 and 14. Children can get into trouble very quickly and generally are not as strong swimmers as adults, nor are they as likely to anticipate dangerous situations.

Even if they are just playing on the beach, it’s a good idea for them to wear life jackets in case they wander into the water and get into trouble. Have one or more adults designated as a “spotter” keeping an eye on everyone in the water and give them a whistle or means to quickly call for assistance if necessary.All adults should be aware of basic first aid and CPR techniques.

Keep an eye on the weather

Check the weather conditions regularly and make sure that they are stable. Storms or other weather events can materialize quickly on the water and you need to be able to give yourself enough time to get to safety should the need arise. Avoid rough water whenever possible as currents can often be stronger than expected.

Protect yourself from the sun

Be aware of the sun and protect yourself and your children appropriately. On a warm summer’s day, it’s easy to lose track of how long you’re out in the sun,only to suffer the consequences later. Current studies show that sunscreen is most effective when applied approximately 30 minutes prior to exposure to the sun and then reapplied 20-30 minutes following initial exposure. Sunscreen should then be reapplied every 2-3 hours for the remainder of the time you are out in the sun. Keep extra sunglasses on hand to help protect your eyes.

Avoid alcohol

Finally,avoid alcohol when you’re out on the water. Alcohol impairs your judgement,which can be critical in dangerous situations. Impaired boating is every bit as serious and potentially fatal as impaired driving. It’s important to keep in mind that the effects of alcohol are heightened by exposure to heat and sunlight. Studies show that alcohol use is a factor in up to half of all adult and adolescent deaths in recreational water activities. Stay safe and enjoy your alcohol away from the water.

By making safety your first priority, you can minimize the potential for accidents and instil good habits in your children and friends that will help keep them safe for a lifetime. Have fun and enjoy a great summer on the water!