Arlington Police Emphasize Importance Of Water Safety Education This Summer

This post is a press release from the city of Arlington.

ARLINGTON, MA – The Town of Arlington has several bodies of water and is next to other towns with just as many waterways. This is perfect for summertime swimming. It also poses a safety risk to children, those that can’t swim and even to those that can. There have already been five drownings in Massachusetts this month. Drowning is swift and silent and even the most experienced swimmer is susceptible to drowning. Drowning is preventable. Let’s ensure that everyone stays safe this summer by educating each other about water safety.

One way you can prepare yourself to help in case of an emergency is by learning CPR.

The Injury and Prevention Control Program of Massachusetts offers additional water safety tips, information on drowning, where to learn how to swim, responsible pool ownership, boating safety and more. To view these safety tips, visit https://www.mass.gov/water-safety.

Parents, here are five questions to ask before sending your child on a playdate to a neighbor’s or friend’s home:

1) Does your home or a neighbor’s home have a pool or spa?

2) Do the children plan to be in or around the water?

3) Will there be adults supervising the children if they are in or around the water?

4) Do the supervising adults know CPR?

5) Which barriers exist to prevent children from gaining access to the pool or spa unattended?

Water safety tips for everyone:

• Make sure you know how to swim. If you can’t swim, keep to shallow areas or use a U.S. Coast Guard-guard approved life jacket. For a list of places offering swim lessons, view the mass.gov Learn to Swim! resources.
• Swim with a buddy, never alone, even if you are a very good swimmer
• Swim in designated areas, with a lifeguard present
• Swim sober: avoid drugs and alcohol to stay alert in the water
• Do not dive or jump into water that is not at least 12 feet deep. Enter the water feet-first, never dive head-first into a river, lake or pond. You could severely injure your head and neck, and drown.
• Do not swim during a storm or when there is lightning
• Don’t swim in an area with strong moving currents in the water. Depth, currents, underwater debris and water temperature change constantly in rivers, lakes, and ponds. Yesterday’s safe swimming spot might have hidden dangers today.
• Keep a cell-phone handy and know where you are in case you need to call for help
• When in a boat, wear a US Coast Guard approved life jacket

The Arlington Police Department recommends parents take time to talk to their children, including teenagers about water safety. It is our hope that everyone enjoys a nice safe summer this year.

This press release was produced by Town of Arlington. The views expressed here are the author’s own.