8 Tips for Safe Swimming

Drowning is the second-most frequent cause of death for children ages 1-14 in the U.S., with nearly 4,000 total drownings overall in a year.

Eight simple tips for safe swimming and water activities

These apply to everyone. Even confident swimmers can have accidents.

1. Learn to swim or improve your stroke. Check out your local YMCA or your town’s local pool to find classes near you.
2. Only swim in areas supervised by a lifeguard.
3. Watch for rip currents when swimming in the ocean, which can forcefully pull you away from the shore.
4. Watch young children closely while they are in the water. Try to stay within an arm’s length of any inexperienced or young swimmers. Avoid distractions while looking after children in the water.
5. Have U.S. Coast Guard-approved life jackets ready to put on all inexperienced swimmers. Find out more about life jacket fit.
6. Never swim alone or in areas where swimming is not allowed.
7. Drink plenty of water. It can help prevent you from becoming tired or cramping while in the water.
8. Be ready to respond to accidents. Enroll in an American Red Cross first aid and CPR course.