Released June 12, 2009
LITTLE ROCK, Ark. -- (available by video or audio at http://www.uaex.edu/news/june2009/0612SummerSafety_Swimming_video_hires.htm)
[Title slide - Summer Safety Swimming; Shannon Caldwell, 4-H Camping Coordinator; U of A University of Arkansas Division of Agriculture; Drawing of the sun a child dressed for swimming.]
[Shannon] Swimming and water recreation can be a great family outing. Ninety percent of families with young children will be in the water sometime this year. Of those 90%, half will swim in an area with no lifeguard.
[Slide - Summer Safety Swimming; Drawing of the sun a child dressed for swimming; T-H-I-N-K] When planning your family water outing, remember to THINK, T-H-I-N-K.
[Swimmer] "Man it's getting too cold."
[Slide - Summer Safety Swimming; Drawing of the sun; showing list of dangerous too's] Too tired, too cold, too far from safety, and too much sun. These are the dangerous "Too's." Any of these can lead to serious safety concerns. So remember to take rest breaks, don't swim in water that's too cold, stay close to safety such as a lifeguard or the shore, and remember to apply sunscreen and drink plenty of water. [Slide - Summer Safety Swimming; Drawing of the sun; showing list of dangerous too's crossing out too tired, too cold, too far from safety and too much sun]
[Swimmer] "Culverts and ditches can be dangerous."
[Pictures showing a creek and a ditch] Lots of rain can bring some enticing fast running water in areas where there may normally be little to no running water. Although it may seem like fun to play in these water areas, these can be some of the most hazardous places to be. [Slide - Summer Safety Swimming; Drawing of the sun; Hazards] So teach your children to stay away from these hazards such as ditches, culverts, creeks, and ponds that are in your neighborhood or community.
[Swimmer] "This noodle is for fun, not for safety."
[Slide - Summer Safety Swimming; Drawing of the sun; Inexperienced Swimmer] Floaties, noodles, and other water toys are for fun, not for safety. [Shannon holds up a floaty] If you have an inexperienced swimmer in your family, make sure they wear a Coast Guard approved life jacket that is appropriate for their size. [Shannon holds up a life jacket] It's important that the swimmer puts on the life jacket before entering the water. [Picture of a child wearing a life jacket before entering the water] And stay within an arm's reach in case they need help. [Picture of a child wearing a life jacket before entering the water and a picture of mother and child swimming with a floaty]
[Lifeguard] I am here to help, not to babysit."
[Slide - Summer Safety Swimming; Drawing of the sun; No substitute for adult supervision] There's no substitute for diligent adult supervision of your child. [Video of children swimming in a pool] We recommend you swim in areas that have a lifeguard on duty. But, remember, the lifeguard's job is to prevent and respond to water emergencies.
[Shannon] It's your job to make sure an adult is supervising your child.
[Swimmer] "I know this lake is too shallow for diving."
[Slide - Summer Safety Swimming; Drawing of the sun; Know the area] Natural bodies of water, such as lakes, rivers, and oceans can contain unexpected hazards like rocks, stumps, rocks, shallow areas, sudden drop offs or strong currents. [Picture of a body of water with stumps] If you don't know the area, don't go swimming. [Picture of a partially submerged no swimming sign] You should also make a point to be familiar with the depth of the pool you're swimming in. Depths should be marked on the side of the pool. [Picture and video showing depth markers on a swimming pool, 5 feet, 3 ½ feet, and 4 feet]
[Picture of a family, mother, father, and two children running down a beach]
Swimming and water recreation can be fun times where families make many memories. [Picture of a mother and two children in dressed ready to go swimming]
Help your family have a better time in the water by remembering to THINK before your outing. [Slide - Summer Safety Swimming; Drawing of the sun a child dressed for swimming; THINK]
[Shannon] Have a safe summer!
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http://www.uaex.edu/news/june2009/0612SummerSafety_Swimming_video_hires.htm
