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Summary
Playing in the water - whether swimming, boating or diving - can be fun. It can also be dangerous, especially for children. Being safe can help prevent injuries and drowning. To stay safe in the water:
- Avoid alcohol when swimming or boating
- Wear a life jacket whenever you're in a boat
- Don't swim alone, or in bad weather
- Learn CPR
- Learn to swim and teach your children to swim
- Supervise your children when they are in the water
- Prevent sunburns - use plenty of sunscreen
Related Issues
- About Swimmer's Itch (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention)
- Molluscum Contagiosum in Schools, Daycares, and Pools (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention)
- Preventing Diarrheal Illnesses (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention)
- Preventing Swimmer's Ear (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention)
-
Risky Drinking Can Put a Chill on Your Summer Fun
(National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism)
Also in Spanish
- Scuba Diving Safety (American Academy of Family Physicians) Also in Spanish
Specifics
- Preventing Hot Tub Rash (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention)
-
Staying Safe in the Water: Guard Against Germs While Swimming
(National Institutes of Health)
Also in Spanish
Journal Articles References and abstracts from MEDLINE/PubMed (National Library of Medicine)
- Article: The Determination of On-Water Rowing Stroke Kinematics Using an Undecimated Wavelet...
- Article: Assessment of Angular and Straight Linear Rowing Ergometers at Different Intensities...
- Article: Effects of a Dietary Microalgae (Arthrospira platensis) Supplement on Stress, Well-Being,...
- Water Safety (Recreational) -- see more articles
Find an Expert
Children
- Beach Safety for Families: Safe Fun in the Sun, Sand, and Sea (American Academy of Pediatrics) Also in Spanish
The information on this site should not be used as a substitute for professional medical care or advice. Contact a health care provider if you have questions about your health.