Public Health Message

Summer 2009 - Water Recreational Tips

Tips for Safe Water Recreation Activities

The Maryland Department’s of Health and Mental Hygiene and Natural Resources, in collaboration with the Partnership for a Safer Maryland and the Maryland Youth Camp Safety Advisory Council, developed the following list of safety rules to help to make this season injury free. 

Swimming Tips 

• Supervise children within visual and auditory contact AT ALL TIMES – in fact, it is best to be in the water with the children you are supervising.

• Avoid behaviors that can limit attentiveness such as, reading, talking on the phone and consuming alcohol;

• Realize that lifeguards are not babysitters and cannot replace active adult supervision;

• Make sure you and your children can swim – but remember, knowing how to swim DOES NOT make people drown-proof;

• Never dive into rivers, lakes, ponds, or the ocean -- always jump FEET FIRST to avoid hitting   your head on a shallow bottom;

• Be aware of water conditions and pay attention to any posted warnings -- even lakes and rivers   can have undertow;

• Be aware of local weather conditions -- strong winds and thunderstorms with lightning strikes are dangerous;

• Always swim with a buddy; and

• Learn CPR. 

 Boating Tips 

• Life jackets are for everyone and should be worn during all boating activities;

• Blow-up water wings, toys, rafts, and air mattresses should never be used as life jackets or life preservers;

• Know and obey navigation rules, operate at a safe speed and maintain a proper lookout;

• Stay in control of your vessel and respect the rights of others enjoying the waterways;

• Ensure that your boat is never overloaded; and

• Remain sober and alert – the use of alcohol contributes to accidents on the water. 

A full list of regulations regarding boating on Maryland’s waterways can be found at www.dnr.state.md.us/boating/safety/.

More water safety information can be found by logging on to the following Web sites:

• National Safety Council (http://www.nsc.org),

• American Academy of Pediatrics (http://www.aap.org),

• Safe Kids USA (http://www.usa.safekids.org),

• Center for Disease Control and Prevention Injury Center (http://www.cdc.gov/ncipc),

• National MCH Center for Child Death Review (http://www.childdeathreview.org/causesD.htm)