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Stay Safe at Pools and the Meramec River with These Swimming Safety Tips
Meramec River float trips and relaxing days at pools (or waterparks) keep the humid, hot summer days more enjoyable. While the lazy days of summer lead to great memories for most individuals, they also can turn tragic. According to statistics from the Missouri State Highway Patrol, more than two dozen individuals lost their lives from accidental drowning incidents in state waters (rivers and lakes).
Even the most experienced swimmer can drown or be at risk for a water-related emergency. Meramec Ambulance District reminds all local community members to stay safe and cool. Follow these essential water safety tips when enjoying Missouri’s rivers and relaxing at the pool or water park.
Table of Contents:
Water Safety for Pools and Water Parks
River Safety Tips and Best Practices
Use Only Coast Guard Approved Flotation devices
Why A Swim Ring Fails To Protect Against Drowning
What to Do if Someone Is Drowning
Heat Exhaustion and Sun Safety
What Is the Best Sunscreen?
Key Takeaways:
Following water safety best practices leads to more fun in rivers, pools, and water parks. Understand the importance of Coast Guard-approved flotation devices, learn how to navigate when caught in the river’s current, wear bright-colored swimwear, and don’t forget to slather on the sunscreen.
Water Safety for Pools and Water Parks
Most public pools and water parks offer on-staff lifeguards that provide additional peace of mind to guests and parents. While lifeguards understand emergency response for water emergencies like drowning, all swimmers must use common sense and best practices to stay safe.
Safety Tip # 1: Follow Pool and Park Rules
Water parks and public pools post rules and regulations for guests. Read these rules and follow them. Typically, water parks stipulate that swimmers cannot hold onto the sides of rides or attractions (like wave pools) and cannot swim underwater.
Safety Tip # 2: Young Children and Weaker Swimmers Need a Life Vest
For young children and inexperienced swimmers, a life vest should be worn at all times in pools. Many parks and pools provide these vests for free. Make sure the vest fits snugly and securely. Inexperienced swimmers should stay in the shallow end of the pool.
Safety Tip # 3: Beware of Pool Depth Before Diving
Diving may be prohibited in some pools or attractions. Diving in water less than nine feet deep can result in injury or death. Diving in shallow water increases the risk of the individual striking their head on the bottom of the pool. Do NOT let children or teens dive when pool rules restrict this activity.
Safety Tip # 4: Wear Bright Swimwear
Choose bright-colored swimwear. Experts found that neon orange and neon pink were most visible in pools. Hues like blue and green easily blend into the water, while dark colors (including red) could appear like shadows or debris. These bold, bright hues can make rescue efforts easier.
Safety Tip # 5: Never Run in a Pool Area
Most pools post rules against running, but this is a tip that applies even without official rules. Running on wet concrete or wood leads to slip and fall accidents. Not only can a slip lead to an injury, but the accident also can lead to the individual falling into the pool. Walk, never run!
River Safety Tips and Best Practices
The Meramec River is one of the most popular rivers in the area for float trips, canoeing, and even boating. These excursions on the river typically involve swimming in the cool water. When planning a trip to the Meramec, individuals must be mindful of river dangers.
Safety Tip # 1: Everyone Needs a Life Vest
No one is exempt from the life vest rule on the river. Unpredictable currents and undertows mean that even experienced swimmers can get pulled under.
Safety Tip # 2: Don’t Panic in a Current
Know how to navigate out of a current. Never panic, and don’t try to swim against a current, as the effort leads to physical exhaustion. Instead, swim at a diagonal angle towards the shore. A life jacket ensures you stay afloat while navigating.
Safety Tip # 3: Use Only Coast Guard-Approved Flotation Devices
Not all flotation devices prevent drowning. Inflatable rafts and rings are not Coast Guard-approved. These toys become slippery and easily lose air. Choose a Coast Guard-approved life vest or life jacket.
Why a Swim Ring Fails to Protect Against Drowning
Children love swimming rings or wings (those small inflatable sleeves that fit over their arms). These toys typically feature favorite characters or bold fun patterns. Unfortunately, they can lose air and leave children vulnerable because they are inflatable. Any pool or water item that inflates is a toy; it is not a flotation device. Young children and weaker swimmers must wear a life vest for optimum protection.
What to Do if Someone Is Drowning
Seeing someone struggle in the water triggers a response to act. Instincts might lead to jumping into the water to rescue them. Do NOT do this. A person who is drowning will react by grabbing onto the rescuer; this can lead to two individuals drowning. The proper way to help someone struggling in the water is to throw them a life ring (attached to a rope) or use a long pole. The goal is to give them something to hold and pull them toward shore.
Heat Exhaustion and Sun Safety
Venturing to pools and rivers for a day of swimming or floating requires individuals to be mindful of staying safe in the water, but summer days also lead to a risk of heat exhaustion and sunburns.
Signs of Heat Exhaustion
The National Weather Service alerts individuals of the dangers and warning signs of heat exhaustion. Common symptoms include feeling dizzy, nauseous, or weak; individuals also may feel extremely thirsty. Individuals suffering from heat exhaustion need to move to a cooler area, rest, and drink fluids.
Heat exhaustion can lead to heat stroke, which is serious. The signs of heat stroke include loss of consciousness, feeling dizzy, and a sense of confusion. The National Weather Service advises to cool the individual with cool compresses or ice, loosen clothing, and call 911 when heat stroke is suspected.
What Is the Best Sunscreen?
No matter where individuals cool off outdoors, never forget sunscreen. Those with fair skin, light eyes, and light or red hair are more prone to sunburn. However, everyone should wear sunscreen to protect against sun damage and skin cancer.
Dermatologists advise using sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher. Always choose sunscreen that protects against UVA and UVB. In addition, wear sunglasses to keep your eyes protected and reapply sunscreen per the manufacturer’s directions.
Meramec Ambulance District wants everyone in our community to stay safe this summer. Follow safety guidelines and best practices and stay cool at the river, pools, and water parks.
About the Author
Meramec Ambulance District, established in 1972, provides top-notch emergency medical services across 244 square miles, covering Pacific, Catawissa, Robertsville, Gray Summit, Labadie, St. Albans, and Villa Ridge. Serving both urban and rural areas, the District responds to emergencies on highways, back roads, rivers, parks, schools, a senior care center, and a large event center.
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