Water Safety Tips

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General Water Safety Tips

Learn to swim. The best way to stay safe is to learn to swim- this includes grownups and kids.
NEVER swim alone. Always swim with a buddy!
Do not dive into unknown water or shallow breaking waves.
Wear a life jacket if you can't swim or if you are just learning to swim.
Swim in a designated area and make sure an adult watches you.
Obey all 'NO SWIMMING' and other warning signs. Those signs are there to protect you.
If you get a leg cramp, try not to panic. Float on your back, and bring your legs to the surface. Rub the muscle with both hands, with a kneading action. Try swimming slowly back to the shore, using a different stroke than the one you used when you got the cramp.
A stomach cramp is more serious. It is usually caused by swimming hard in cold water on a full stomach. if the pain is very bad, try to keep your head above water and shout for help. If it is not too severe, try floating on your back and take slow deep breaths to help relax the muscles. You can also try bending your knees to your chest, and then extending them again.

Back to Safety in the Water

University of Arkansas • Division of Agriculture
Cooperative Extension Service
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Little Rock, Arkansas 72204 • USA
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