Swimming safely is of the utmost importance. Making sure each member of your family knows proper swimming technique before getting in the water is crucial. Whether it’s in a pool, local lake, or one of the Greats, these tips could be helpful for keeping your family safe for all the swimming adventures this summer!
1. Wear bright colored swimsuits. While darker colors may be more fashionable, it is harder to see those swimsuits in the water, especially from a distance. Having children wear high visibility colors, such as orange, yellow, or green, will help everyone know where they are in the water and if they need help.
2. Choose an adult water watcher. It can be easy to think others have an eye on the water, but designating someone to keep their eyes on the water removes the guess work. Having one person aware of and committed to the responsibility can alleviate a lot of worry. Taking shifts is a good option.
3. Talk with lifeguards and read the signs. When planning a trip to open water, the lifeguards know the water conditions better than anyone. Taking time to chat with them as a family and reading the signs to learn more about what the day looks like will be helpful when preparing to get in the water.
4. Steer clear of the pier. Waves are chaotic and unpredictable near piers, often being much larger than a typical wave. Swimming at least 100 yards away from a pier will help keep your group safe.
5. Take breaks! Waves, especially in large bodies of water like the Great Lakes, come in rapidly, often every three to four seconds. Playing and swimming in the waves will wear down even experienced swimmers. Knowing your abilities and taking breaks when you feel tired will help keep you alert and ready for all the waves.
6. When caught, flip and float. If you find yourself caught in one of the many dangerous currents that can occur in lakes, flip on your back, float, and follow the current. Taking breaks to swim along the shore until you’re able to swim toward the beach can conserve energy. If you find yourself too tired, floating on your back and signaling for help is the best way to safely navigate the currents.
Swimming can be both one of the most fun and most dangerous summer activities. Taking the time to make sure everyone in your group knows how to navigate the water could save lives. Hopefully these tips help your family have a fun and safe summer!
To view the summer 2025 issue of Partners magazine in its entirety, click here.
