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Water safety should be top
priority during summer fun
Special to The Monitor
CEDAR CREEK LAKE–There may be few better ways to spend a hot day than at
the beach, lake, water park or swimming pool, but amid all the fun and
games it is important to put safety first.
Every year, we hear of a water accident that effects our lives. A
drowning, a boat running into the dock, jet skis collide.
The Henderson County YMCA Board of Directors has set forth in their
strategic planning to help make everyone in the Henderson County and
surrounding areas aware of water hazards and help them become water
safe.
Learning to swim and be safe in and around the water are important
survival skills. Accidents only take a few seconds to occur, but they
can often be prevented by ensuring your loved ones follow simple water
safety guidelines.
Pioneers in swimming instruction and water safety, the nation’s YMCAs
are celebrating 100 years of group swimming instruction to children and
adults.
The YMCA offers these tips to help keep you and your loved ones safe in
and around the water during the summer and at any time of year:
• Make sure children are supervised by an adult at all times.
• No one, not even adults, should ever swim alone.
• Be prepared in an emergency by learning lifesaving, first aid and CPR
techniques. Always have a stocked first aid kit, phone, emergency
numbers and sunscreen close at hand.
• Follow the posted rules in any water environment.
• Backyard pools should have posted rules, ring buoy and security fences
with self-closing gates and childproof locks.
• If you have an above-ground pool, secure and lock the steps or remove
them completely when not in use.
• Be aware of water depth, incline and any underwater obstructions
before diving. Never dive in water less than nine feet deep.
• Children should use U.S. Coast Guard-approved life jackets. Avoid
inflatable toys including armbands or “swimmies” – they can be
dangerous, giving a false sense of confidence.
• And finally, everyone should learn swimming and basic water safety
skills. The YMCA offers swimming classes for all ages and levels.
To find water safety education, swim lessons and other YMCA aquatics
programs call the Henderson County YMCA at (903) 264-9622, the Lake Area
YMCA in Mabank at (903) 713-9622, or visit www.ymca.net to find the YMCA
near you.
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