Drowning Prevention Week - Stay Safe in the Water

Here at Rivers, we believe in promoting safety and wellness in all aspects of life. As this week is RLSS Drowning Prevention Week, it's essential to raise awareness about water safety and provide practical tips to prevent drowning incidents. Whether you're swimming in a pool, lake, or ocean, following these guidelines can help ensure a safe and enjoyable experience for everyone.

Understanding the Risks

Drowning can happen quickly and silently, making it crucial to be vigilant around water. It's a leading cause of accidental death, particularly among children and young adults. By understanding the risks and taking proactive measures, we can reduce the likelihood of such tragedies.

Water Safety Tips

1. Learn to Swim

   • Enrol in swimming lessons for both children and adults. Knowing how to swim can significantly reduce the risk of drowning.

2. Supervise Children

   • Always watch children closely when they are in or near water. Stay within arm's reach of young kids and ensure that they have constant supervision.

3. Use Life Jackets

   • Ensure that everyone wears a properly fitted life jacket when boating or participating in water sports. Even strong swimmers can benefit from this added safety measure.

4. Avoid Alcohol

   • Do not consume alcohol before or during swimming, boating, or supervising children around water. Alcohol impairs judgment and coordination, increasing the risk of drowning.

5. Know the Water

   • Be aware of the water's depth, currents, and potential hazards. Avoid swimming in unfamiliar areas without assessing the conditions first.

6. Learn CPR

   • Knowing how to perform CPR can save lives in emergency situations. Consider taking a CPR course to be prepared. See our Vacancies/Courses page to see what First Aid courses we have on offer.

7. Swim with a Buddy

   • Never swim alone. Having a buddy can provide immediate assistance if something goes wrong.

8. Use Barriers

   • Install barriers, such as fences with self-latching gates, around pools to prevent unsupervised access by children.

9. Check Weather Conditions

   • Avoid swimming in bad weather, especially during thunderstorms, as lightning can strike water.

10. Follow Pool Rules

    • Adhere to posted rules and guidelines at public pools. These rules are in place to protect everyone’s safety.

Educating the Community

Drowning Prevention Week is an opportunity to educate the community about water safety. At Rivers, we offer swimming lessons and safety courses to help individuals and families stay safe. Our qualified instructors provide valuable knowledge and skills that can make a difference.

Get Involved

You can get involved in Drowning Prevention Week by spreading awareness and encouraging others to follow water safety practices. Share these tips with friends and family, participate in local events, and consider volunteering for organisations that promote water safety.

Water activities are a great way to stay active and have fun, but safety must always come first. By following these drowning prevention tips and educating others, we can help ensure that everyone enjoys the water safely. At Rivers, we're committed to your health and safety both in and out of the water. Join us in observing Drowning Prevention Week and make a difference in our community.

Stay safe and enjoy your time in the water!

For more information about our swimming lessons and safety courses, please visit the RLSS website.