Water Safety
At our hospital, your safety extends beyond our walls and into your daily life. Water activities can bring enjoyment, exercise, and relaxation, but they also require awareness and preparation. Drowning can occur quickly and silently, often in less than a minute. Taking proactive steps can significantly reduce risk and help keep you and your loved ones safe.
Why water safety matters
Water-related injuries can affect anyone, regardless of age or swimming ability. While children are at higher risk, teens and adults can also experience emergencies due to fatigue, unexpected conditions, or underlying health concerns. Many incidents are preventable with the right knowledge and precautions.
Layers of protection: A safer approach to water
Water safety works best when multiple protective measures are used together.
Think of safety as “layers”, where each step adds another level of protection:
- Supervision: Always maintain active, focused attention when someone is in or near water
- Barriers: Use physical safeguards such as pool fences, locked gates, and covers
- Preparedness: Learn swimming skills, CPR, and rescue techniques
- Life-saving equipment: Keep approved flotation devices and rescue tools nearby
No single layer is enough on its own. Combining them creates a safer environment.
Essential water safety tips
For families and children
- Provide constant, hands-on supervision. Stay within arm’s reach of young or inexperienced swimmers
- Assign a dedicated “water watcher” who avoids distractions like phones, reading, or conversations
- Dress children in bright, high-visibility swimwear (such as neon orange, yellow, or pink) to make them easier to spot in the water
- Enroll children in formal swim lessons while understanding that lessons do not eliminate drowning risk
- Install four-sided pool fencing with self-closing, self-latching gates
- Avoid reliance on inflatable floaties or toys as safety devices
For all swimmers
- Always swim with a buddy, even in supervised areas
- Wear a U.S. Coast Guard-approved life jacket when boating, paddleboarding, kayaking, or if you are not a strong swimmer
- Choose properly fitted life jackets that are snug, secure, and appropriate for the wearer’s size and weight
- Avoid alcohol or drugs before and during water activities
- Take breaks to prevent fatigue, which can increase drowning risk
- Enter unfamiliar water feet first to avoid head or spinal injuries
At beaches and in open water
Natural bodies of water present additional hazards that require extra caution.
Know the conditions:
- Check weather forecasts, water conditions, and posted warnings
- Swim near lifeguards whenever possible
- Be aware of changing tides, waves, and underwater hazards
Understanding rip currents:
Rip currents are powerful channels of water that can pull swimmers away from shore.
If caught in a rip current:
- Stay calm — do not fight the current
- Float or tread water to conserve energy
- Signal for help by raising one arm if needed
- Swim parallel to the shoreline until you are out of the current
- Once free, angle back toward shore
If you see someone in trouble, avoid entering the water unless trained call for help and use reaching or throwing equipment if available.
Medical considerations
Individuals with certain medical conditions, such as seizure disorders, heart conditions, or limited mobility, may face increased risks in or around water. Extra precautions, supervision, and planning are important. Speak with your healthcare provider about safe participation in water activities.
Emergency preparedness
- Learn CPR and basic first aid
- Keep rescue equipment accessible, such as life rings or reaching poles
- Ensure easy access to a phone in case of emergency
- Call 911 immediately if someone is in distress
- Begin rescue efforts only if it is safe to do so
Our commitment to your safety
We are dedicated to supporting the health and well-being of our community through education and prevention. By understanding water risks and applying simple safety measures, you can help prevent accidents and protect those around you.
Think of safety as “layers”, where each step adds another level of protection:
- Supervision: Always maintain active, focused attention when someone is in or near water
- Barriers: Use physical safeguards such as pool fences, locked gates, and covers
- Preparedness: Learn swimming skills, CPR, and rescue techniques
- Life-saving equipment: Keep approved flotation devices and rescue tools nearby
No single layer is enough on its own. Combining them creates a safer environment.
For families and children
- Provide constant, hands-on supervision. Stay within arm’s reach of young or inexperienced swimmers
- Assign a dedicated “water watcher” who avoids distractions like phones, reading, or conversations
- Dress children in bright, high-visibility swimwear (such as neon orange, yellow, or pink) to make them easier to spot in the water
- Enroll children in formal swim lessons while understanding that lessons do not eliminate drowning risk
- Install four-sided pool fencing with self-closing, self-latching gates
- Avoid reliance on inflatable floaties or toys as safety devices
For all swimmers
- Always swim with a buddy, even in supervised areas
- Wear a U.S. Coast Guard-approved life jacket when boating, paddleboarding, kayaking, or if you are not a strong swimmer
- Choose properly fitted life jackets that are snug, secure, and appropriate for the wearer’s size and weight
- Avoid alcohol or drugs before and during water activities
- Take breaks to prevent fatigue, which can increase drowning risk
- Enter unfamiliar water feet first to avoid head or spinal injuries
At beaches and in open water
Natural bodies of water present additional hazards that require extra caution.
Know the conditions:
- Check weather forecasts, water conditions, and posted warnings
- Swim near lifeguards whenever possible
- Be aware of changing tides, waves, and underwater hazards
Understanding rip currents:
Rip currents are powerful channels of water that can pull swimmers away from shore.
If caught in a rip current:
- Stay calm — do not fight the current
- Float or tread water to conserve energy
- Signal for help by raising one arm if needed
- Swim parallel to the shoreline until you are out of the current
- Once free, angle back toward shore
If you see someone in trouble, avoid entering the water unless trained call for help and use reaching or throwing equipment if available.
Individuals with certain medical conditions, such as seizure disorders, heart conditions, or limited mobility, may face increased risks in or around water. Extra precautions, supervision, and planning are important. Speak with your healthcare provider about safe participation in water activities.
- Learn CPR and basic first aid
- Keep rescue equipment accessible, such as life rings or reaching poles
- Ensure easy access to a phone in case of emergency
- Call 911 immediately if someone is in distress
- Begin rescue efforts only if it is safe to do so
We are dedicated to supporting the health and well-being of our community through education and prevention. By understanding water risks and applying simple safety measures, you can help prevent accidents and protect those around you.