Swim Safe at Lake, River and Ocean Beaches

John Bobel

May 24, 2023

Lakes, beaches, and rivers are popular destinations for families during spring break and the summer season. It’s the best way to have some fun family time and remain cool as soon as temperatures rise. Consider the open-water safety tips below if you decide to go this route on your next vacation.

Most children in the U.S. drown in open water, which includes natural bodies of water such as lakes, rivers, and oceans, as well as man-made bodies of water like canals, reservoirs, and retention ponds. In 2016, open-water drownings made up 43 percent of fatal childhood drownings.*

The first thing needed to prevent drowning incidents when in open water is learning how to swim, which has proven to be a lifesaving skill that can reduce the chances of drowning by 88%. Following the open water safety tips below will also ensure you have the most amount of fun by reducing the risks and hazards that come with open water.

1. Swim In A Designated Swimming Area: Most state parks, beaches, and lakefront areas have designated times when swimming is allowed and use flags to indicate borders in which people can swim. Never swim outside those defined areas. Also, preferably swim under the supervision of a qualified lifeguard.
2. When In Doubt, Get Out: Don’t hesitate to get out of the water if something doesn’t feel right. Whether it’s that the current is getting rough, rain has started to fall, or your body is just not responding like you would like it to due to fatigue or muscle cramps, then just leave and return to the water another day. It’s always a good thing to trust your instincts.
3. Know The Weather And Water Conditions: Check the water temperature and weather conditions before hitting the water. If the water temperature is low, your best option would be to swim in a wetsuit and don’t stay too long in the water. Bear in mind it’s not safe to swim in the rain, particularly if there is thunder and lightning. If the weather changes, don’t hesitate to swim back to shore.
4. Never Swim Alone: When you head out into the open water, go with a “swim buddy,” someone who’s looking out for you and who you’re looking out for in turn. Remember, the lifeguard isn’t your “swim buddy”; they have lots of people to track when on duty and cannot be concerned with a particular person’s safety. Besides, you’ll probably have more fun swimming with a friend.
5. Choose The Right Equipment: It’s very important always to choose the right equipment for your open water activity: wetsuits if the water is cold, goggles if swimming, and so on. Please note that if water temperatures are over 75-80 degrees, a wetsuit might not be a good idea. Using one for extended periods could cause heat exhaustion.
6. Understand Currents: Uncontrollables are all part of experiencing the ocean and open bodies of water. Rip tides, other currents, and waves can all sweep you away from your swimming route. By choosing a static “beacon” on your boat or at the shore you’ll be able to determine if you are being swept away or not. If you do get caught in a riptide, don’t panic. Try to remain calm and swim parallel to shore to get out of it. If you try to swim against the current, you might get exhausted and really panic even more.
7. No Alcohol: Alcohol affects your perception of danger, making you more likely to take unnecessary risks. Alcohol also impairs your balance and coordination – all essential for swimming and boating and avoiding hazards in the water. So don’t drink while in the water.
8. Wear A USCG-Approved Life Vest: Young children, weak swimmers, and everybody should wear life jackets whenever they are in, on, or around the water, even at a pool or a waterpark. It should be put on at the dock, deck, or shore and not removed until you return to dry land.
9. Have A Plan For Emergencies: Always have a plan to handle and face emergencies whenever you go out to the water with a swim buddy or alone. Tell someone else where you are going. Having someone watching from the shore, ready to take action should you need help, is wise. Plan for every possible incident and eliminate as much uncertainty as possible.
10. Swim Parallel To The Shore: If ever caught in a rip current, don’t let fear cloud your judgment. You could be swept away from shore very quickly. The best way to escape a rip current is by swimming parallel to the shore instead of towards it since most rip currents are an average of 100 feet wide. Try to relax and breathe, keeping your head above water, and don’t wear yourself out by trying to get out of the rip by swimming against the force of the current.

Here are some safety tips if you’re headed to the backyard pool, or community pool, or aquatic center.

*Source: Hidden Hazards: An Exploration of Open Water Drowning and Risks for Children. Safe Kids Worldwide. May 2018.

Some information from: National Drowning Prevention Alliance