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Beach & Open Water

Beach & Open Water Swimming Risks

Open water swimming comes with its own set of challenges that go beyond basic water safety rules. It’s important to be aware of these unique risks to prevent accidents. Here are a few common dangers:

Cold Water Temperatures which can affect your ability to swim effectively.

Weather conditions can shift unexpectedly, making open water swimming hazardous.

Water in lakes, seas, and other open bodies can be murky, reducing visibility and hiding underwater hazards.

Variable Depths and Drop-Offs - Shallow areas can suddenly drop into deeper water without warning. 

Open waters often have strong, unpredictable currents that may not always be visible on the surface.

Swimming in Island Beach

Safety Tips for Open Water Swimming

Follow these tips to ensure everyone stays safe near the beach and
other open water sources.

Always ensure swimmers are supervised near any body of water, with a responsible Water Watcher actively monitoring the situation.

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Remind kids to never approach any body of water without getting permission from an adult.

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Do not depend on floatation devices like water wings to protect a child during an emergency.

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Make sure children and adults wear properly-fitted life jackets if necessary.

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Discourage your children from roughhousing, holding their breath for extended periods, or dunking others while in the water.

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Only swim in designated areas with a lifeguard on duty, and stay away from locations with strong waves or rip currents.

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Follow all posted rules, warnings, and flag signals, which may indicate dangerous conditions or deep water.

 

Always enter the water feet first—avoid diving.

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Swim with a buddy who can get help if needed.

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