Health Topics
Official websites use .gov
A
.gov website belongs to an official government
organization in the United States.
Secure .gov websites use HTTPS
A
lock (
) or https:// means you’ve safely connected to
the .gov website. Share sensitive information only on official,
secure websites.
Basics
Learn More
See, Play and Learn
- No links available
Research
Resources
For You
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 (Healthy Swimming) (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: Effect of baseline ferritin levels on post-exercise iron metabolism in male...
- Article: An analysis of pacing profiles in sprint kayak racing using functional...
- Article: The effects of Four-Week plyometric training on delaying muscle fatigue in...
- 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.