Water Safety Tips

Playing in and around water is so much fun - but it's important to learn about water safety and follow the rules so that we can stay safe and enjoy the water for hours!

Start your water safety knowledge by learning the three rules of the Aquacode.

*GO TOGETHER *STAY AFLOAT AND WAVE *REACH TO RESCUE

Contents 1 Water Safety at Home 2 Water Safety at the Swimming Pool 3 Water Safety at Rivers and Lakes 4 Water Safety at the Beach 5 Water Safety at the Farm 6 Water Safety when Boating 7 Water Safety when Fishing 8 See Also

[edit] Water Safety at Home

• Supervise children in, on or near water.

• Fence home pools and include self-closing gates.

• Keep the bath plug out of reach of small children.

• Never leave children alone in the bath.

• Keep liquid filled buckets out of reach of children.

• Empty children's paddling pools as soon as they have finished using them.

• Close top loading washing machines.

• Keep fish ponds covered.

• Install rigid covers over spas.

[edit] Water Safety at the Swimming Pool

• Obey signs giving advice to swimmers.

• Listen to the pool lifeguards.

• Stay away from the deep end, unless you can swim well.

• Make sure the water is clear of swimmers before jumping in.

• Play safely.

• Do not run around the pool edge.

• Check the depth markings on the poolside before diving.

[edit] Water Safety at Rivers and Lakes

• Be careful not to stand on an overhanging bank.

• Check the current before entering the water.

• Before diving, check water depth and look for snags, sandbanks, weeds, rocks and other hazards.

• Enter cold water slowly.

• Avoid swimming near boat ramps or in boating areas.

• Beware of boats using the waterway.

• If trapped in quicksand or deep mud spread your body's weight by lying flat on the surface, and move by slow arm and leg action.

• If caught in a fast flowing river, rapids or storm water drain, try to float feet first in a half sit position.

• Read and obey the signs.

[edit] Water Safety at the Beach

• The safest place to swim at the beach is between the red and yellow flags.

• Mark a reference point on the shore, to avoid drifting.

• Always read The Surf Conditions Board.

• If you think conditions are too rough for you, don't go in.

• Always swim with a friend, never alone.

• Swim parallel to and not away from the shore when you swim long distances.

• Swim in well lit areas, so you can be seen if you get into trouble.

• For your safety, leave the water immediately when requested by a lifeguard.

[edit] Water Safety at the Farm

• When walking around dams or irrigation channels, beware of slippery, overhanging or steep banks.

• Swimming in dams can be dangerous.

• Never swim in water tanks, the sides are steep and the container is deep.

• Don't swim near active pumps.

• Always reach or throw an aid, to rescue someone in trouble in the water.

• Check for objects hidden beneath the surface of inland waters before entering.

• Don't swim or play in sheep dips and animal water troughs.

• If reeds or weeds become tangled in your legs, stay calm and use gentle arm strokes to swim to safety.

[edit] Water Safety when Boating

• Do not mix boating and alcohol.

• Everyone on board a small boat should wear a PFD.

• Make sure your boat has emergency equipment (flares, first aid kit etc).

• Never go boating alone.

• Know the limitations of the boat and do not overload it.

• Follow the boating traffic rules.

• Check weather conditions, and continue to monitor weather reports.

• Always leave word of destination and estimated time of return.

• Wear and take appropriate spare clothes allowing for possible changes in the weather.

• Stow all gear safely.

• When entering or leaving a small boat, keep the weight low and centred.

• Keep the boat away from swimming areas, weirs, rocks and other craft.

• Keep a lookout for the warning signs of bad weather, such as; clouds building up to windward or waves becoming bigger and occasional white caps appearing.

• If bad weather threatens, head for shore.

• Learn and practice capsize and person overboard drills.

[edit] Water Safety when Fishing

• Always wear a PFD when fishing from a boat.

• Don't fish alone. Never mix fishing and alcohol.

• When fishing from rocks:

• Look for secure footholds.

• Stay away from sloping, slippery edges.

• Wear suitable clothing and footwear.

• When wading, check for hidden rocks or sudden drop-offs.

• Watch for changes in the weather and tides to avoid being swept away by a sudden wave or being cut off from the shore by a rising tide.

• Never turn away from the sea because a wave may knock you over. A fish on the line must not be allowed to alter this course of action.

[edit] See Also

Healthy body tips