Playing at a water park, by a lake, or in a pool are all popular summer activities, especially on a hot Colorado day.  Swimming is a great recreational sport that can be enjoyed by people of all ages, but it’s important to know how to be safe while you’re in the water. The American Red Cross and Safe Kids Worldwide offers these important swimming safety tips you should take into consideration before you head out to the lake or pool:

• Swim in designated areas supervised by lifeguards.
• Always swim with a buddy; do not allow anyone to swim alone.
• Never leave a young child unattended near water and do not trust a child’s life to another child; teach children to always ask permission to go near water.
• Have young children or inexperienced swimmers wear life jackets around water, but do not rely on life jackets alone.
• Maintain constant supervision.
• Make sure everyone in your family learns to swim well. Enroll in age-appropriate swimming courses. 
• If you have a pool, secure it with appropriate barriers. Many children who drown in home pools were out of sight for less than five minutes and in the care of one or both parents at the time.
• Avoid distractions when supervising children around water.
• Protect your skin. Limit the amount of direct sunlight you receive between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. and wear sunscreen with a protection factor of at least 15.
• Drink plenty of water regularly, even if you’re not thirsty. Avoid drinks with alcohol or caffeine in them.
• If a child is missing, check the water first. Seconds count in preventing death or disability.
• Have appropriate equipment available, such as reaching or throwing equipment, a cell phone, life jackets and a first aid kit.

These tips will help everyone stay safe while enjoying the warm summer months!