Red Cross Encourages Water Safety Precautions

Share these tips with family and friends as the temperature rises and summer vacations start.

Summer safety is more than remembering sun screen when going outside.  It’s about being informed and prepared when going in or near water, especially at your local pool, lake or beach.  The following tips are important to note to reduce the chance of an unfortunate event:

• Learn to swim.  The best thing anyone can do to stay safe in and around the water is to learn to swim—this includes adults and children.  The American Red Cross has swimming courses for people of any age and swimming ability.  To enroll in a course to learn or improve your ability to swim, call your local Red Cross office at One of These Contact Numbers

• Never leave a child unobserved around water.  Your eyes must be on the child at all times.  Adult supervision is recommended.

• If a child is missing, check the pool first.  Go to the edge of the pool and scan the entire pool, bottom, and surface, as well as the surrounding pool area.

• Install a phone by the pool or keep a mobile phone nearby so that you can call 9-1-1 in an emergency.

• Learn CPR and insist that babysitters, grandparents, and others who care for your child know CPR.

• Post or ask your homeowners association or apartment complex to post CPR instructions and 9-1-1 or your local emergency number in the pool area.

• Keep toys away from the pool when it is not in use.  Toys can attract young children into the pool.

The American Red Cross, a humanitarian organization led by volunteers and guided by its Congressional Charter and the Fundamental Principles of the International Red Cross Movement provides relief to the victims of disasters and helps people prevent, prepare for and respond to emergencies.  The Florida’s Coast to Coast Chapter serves Citrus, Hernando, Lake, Sumter, Marion, Flagler, and Volusia counties.  Every day, the chapter serves as a vital communication link between members of the armed forces and their families in our community.  Lifesaving classes such as First Aid/CPR, Automated External Defibrillator Training, Water Safety and HIV/AIDS are available throughout the service area on a regular basis.

Contact Numbers

Citrus                (352) 564-8455

Hernando          (352) 799-3227

Lake                 (352) 314-0883

Sumter              (352) 793-1901

Marion              (352) 622-3457

Flagler               (386) 437-5800

Volusia              (386) 226-1400

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