| iv> | | | | to warning signs. If you swim in the ocean or a |
| Drowning is the third leading cause of accidental | | | | river, you should know about tides and currents. |
| death in the United States. Only traffic mishaps | | | | Water for diving should be deep and clear. Never |
| and falls cause more accidental fatalities. In the | | | | dive into unfamiliar water, and always look |
| U.S. about 7,000 people drown annually, many | | | | carefully for other swimmers before you dive. |
| while swimming or boating. The following | | | | When swimming, stay away from diving boards |
| instructions should serve as a safety checklist for | | | | and diving platforms. |
| anyone, however experienced, involved with | | | | The sun can seem deceptively cool when you are |
| water sports. | | | | in the water, and it is possible not to realize until |
| Swimming. Learning to swim and observing basic | | | | later that you have been badly burned across the |
| safety rules are vital components of safe | | | | shoulders and back. |
| swimming. Every member of the family should | | | | Never sunbathe on an inflatable raft or air |
| learn to swim at an early age. Competent | | | | mattress in a large lake or in the ocean. You could |
| swimming instructors are available almost | | | | drift a long way from the shore and be unable to |
| everywhere. The elderly or those who are sick or | | | | swim back. |
| out of condition should consult a physician before | | | | Children should always be closely supervised |
| beginning a swimming program. | | | | around water. A child can drown in the time it |
| There are certain times when, however good a | | | | takes to answer the telephone. |
| swimmer you are, you should not go into the | | | | Only a trained lifeguard should attempt a |
| water. Never swim alone. Always swim with a | | | | swimming rescue. Even a competent swimmer |
| companion and know where that person is at all | | | | can be pulled under by a drowning person. |
| times. Swim only in areas protected by lifeguards. | | | | However, if a person gets into trouble near the |
| If such an area is not available, be sure that the | | | | shore in an unsupervised swimming area, wade |
| water bottom has no snags, trash, or weeds. | | | | out and help him or her. Reach for the victim or |
| Never swim immediately after eating a large meal | | | | try to extend a pole, tree branch, fishing rod, or |
| because it might cause muscle cramps. Never | | | | oar. If the victim is beyond reach, throw |
| swim after drinking alcohol because it dulls the | | | | something that floats, such as a spare tire or a |
| senses, especially the awareness of cold. Never | | | | cooler. If these attempts fail, then wade, swim, or |
| swim when feeling tired or cold. | | | | row to the victim. |
| Before going into the water, pay careful attention | | | | |