Making a Splash!

 At home or along the coast, it is important to practice water safety and awareness to ensure that family events and personal trips are as fun as possible. So before you cannonball into the refreshing waters here are some safety tips, particularly for families.
Beaches: The crisp salted air of the ocean, coastal foods and the soft loamy sands make for the perfect family vacation. Lifeguards are there for your safety and it’s important, especially for families, to stay within reach of one just in case. Staying aware of safety personnel can make a difference should you need assistance. Undertows and rip currents occur often in oceans and unexpectedly, being near safety officials can make all the difference in an emergency. Your small children should have proper flotation devices and be supervised and young children should stay within quick reach. Also be aware that the ocean is full of wonderful ocean life but not all sea creatures are as nice as Dory. Be sure to keep an eye on loved ones and remember to stay alert, not afraid.
Pools: So the beaches are packed and you decide to stay local with family and friends at home or the community pool. There may not be sea creatures and currents to lookout for but there are other things to keep in mind. Like in the ocean, children need flotation devices if they do not know how to swim and young children should always be kept in sight. Rough housing in any body of water is common and often unavoidable when people are just having fun, but stay nearby to be certain that you can get your family out of the way if things get a bit too rambunctious. Local pools are held to government standards and in home pools should have proper drain covers and most common of all, avoid running near the pool.
It is also important whether in a pool or the ocean to learn basic CPR, even when lifeguards are on hand.  This one skill can help children or even a stranger in need of immediate attention.
Most rules in water safety are common sense but are often overlooked with all the excitement and fun to be had. Whether with family or friends, be wild, have fun, make memories and if necessary, be prepared to act, just in case.