TOPICS AND POSTINGS

June 19, 2008
Water Safety – It keeps you afloat

Practice water safety as you celebrate summer in Minnesota. Please take a moment to review what you can do to avoid water-related tragedy or illness.

Here are a few recommendations:

• Children near water need to be watched by at least one pair of adult eyes AT ALL TIMES.
• Wear a PFD or life preserver appropriate for the size of each person and type of water activity.
• Do not use alcohol while operating a boat.
• Do not swim if you’ve been drinking alcohol.
• Avoid alcohol while supervising children.
• Always swim with a buddy.
• Use sun block and or clothing to protect against sunburn.
• If you or your child are allergic to insect bites and stings, carry antihistamines or adrenaline shots available by prescription.
• Make sure your pool is appropriately treated for bacteria.
• Wear shoes in rocky places.
• Symptoms of Swimmer’s Itch can be reduced by an immediate shower and vigorous toweling.
• Fish hooks embedded in body parts are best removed by your doctor to avoid additional damage.

More Information:

Minnesota Safety Council
http://www.minnesotasafetycouncil.org/facts/category.cfm?CID=3

American Academy of Family Physicians
http://www.familydoctor.org

American Academy of Pediatrics
http://www.aap.org/healthtopics/watersafety.cfm

American Red Cross
http://www.redcross.org/services/hss/tips/healthtips/safetywater.html