Water Safety
There's nothing more refreshing on a hot summer day than a dip in the cool ocean or swimming pool, but it is important to keep safety in mind while swimming. Most water-related accidents can be avoided by knowing how to stay safe while having fun. Kids need constant supervision around the water, whether they're enjoying the:
The Cape May County Department of Health offers the following tips to ensure that it is a safe summer for residents and visitors alike.
Over the past decade, there have been an increasing number of outbreaks in illness associated with swimming. It is important to be aware of recreational water illnesses (RWIs) and how to prevent them.
- Bathtub
- Beach
- Lake
- Pond
- Swimming pool
The Cape May County Department of Health offers the following tips to ensure that it is a safe summer for residents and visitors alike.
- Buddy up. Always swim with a partner, either a close friend or family member. Keep children who can't swim within arm's reach at all times.
- Learn CPR. By learning CPR, you can save a person's life. If you know CPR you should get re-certified every 2 years. Check with local hospitals or Red Cross website for CPR training near you.
- Learn to swim. Knowing how to swim can help you stay safe at the beach, in a pool and in all other water. Swimming lessons may help protect young kids from drowning. Cape May County's Community Aquatic Program, offered by the Special Services School, can help you or your child to be a strong swimmer. View program information.
- Pay attention to sandbars, rip currents and current warnings. If you are ever caught in a rip current, don’t fight it. Immediately float or tread water and call for help. Rip currents can sweep even the strongest of swimmers off their feet. Learn more about rip currents.
- Prevent drowning. Always supervise children when in or around water. Children can go from safe to unsafe in the water very quickly. Warn children about playing around bulkheads, canals, or bodies of fast moving water.
- Swim in safe areas. Swim where a lifeguard is on duty and in designated areas only. Check for beach flag warnings or ask a lifeguard about water conditions. Home swimming pools should be completely enclosed with a fence that has a self-latching gate.
- Wear a life jacket. Always wear a US Coast Guard-approved life jacket every time you are on a boat, and when water skiing, jet skiing or tubing. Make sure you have a life jacket that fits properly.
Over the past decade, there have been an increasing number of outbreaks in illness associated with swimming. It is important to be aware of recreational water illnesses (RWIs) and how to prevent them.