Page 163 - Participant Manual

Safety at Play

Enjoy sports and other recreational activities safely by making sure equipment is in good working order and
following accepted guidelines for the activity. Before undertaking an activity that is unfamiliar to you, such as
boating, skiing or riding a motorcycle, take lessons to learn how to perform the activity safely.

Water Safety

■ Learn to swim and obtain the knowledge and skills you need
to prevent, recognize and respond to aquatic emergencies.
Knowing how to swim is a basic life skill that everyone
should possess. The American Red Cross Swimming
and Water Safety program teaches people to be safe in,
on and around the water through water safety courses,
water orientation classes for infants and toddlers, and
comprehensive Learn-to-Swim courses for people of all
ages and abilities.

■ Use a U.S. Coast Guard–approved life jacket.
Young children, weak or inexperienced swimmers
and nonswimmers should always wear a U.S.
Coast Guard–approved life jacket whenever
they are in, on or around the water. Even strong
swimmers should wear a U.S. Coast Guard–
approved life jacket when engaging in certain
aquatic activities, such as boating.

■ Do not use alcohol or drugs while engaging in
aquatic activities.

■ Never swim alone. Swim only in designated
areas and areas supervised by a lifeguard.

■ Closely supervise children in, on or near water, ■ Enter the water feetfirst, unless you are in an
even when a lifeguard is present. Stay within area that is clearly marked for diving and has no
arm’s reach of the child. obstructions.

■ Read and obey all rules and posted signs. Pay ■ Watch out for the dangerous “too’s”: too tired,
special attention to water-depth markings and too cold, too far away from safety, too much sun
© 2011, 2016 The American National Red Cross. All rights reserved.
“no diving” signs. and too much strenuous activity.

© 2011, 2016 The American National Red Cross. All rights reserved.
Appendix D Injury Prevention | 154 | First Aid/CPR/AED Participant’s Manual Appendix D Injury Prevention | 155 | First Aid/CPR/AED Participant’s Manual