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Health & Fitness

New Year Water Safety Advice

As we enter the New Year, it might not occur to us to think of aquatic safety. For most of us, sweaters, coats, and mittens will replace the swimsuits, sunblock, and sunglasses...

As we enter the New Year, it might not occur to us to think of aquatic safety.  For most of us, sweaters, coats, and mittens will replace the swimsuits, sunblock, and sunglasses of the warmer summer months.  However, we should always remember that any body of water can be lethal.  Even our own bathtubs pose a risk as sites for potential drowning accidents.  

When it comes to children, the risk for drowning is greater yet.  But the good news is that childhood drownings are more preventable.  

 The National Drowning Prevention Alliance recommends a multi-faceted approach that involves employing as many of the following as possible: swimming in areas supervised by a professional lifeguard, using the buddy system, wearing lifejackets, placing barriers and devices such as four-sided fencing, gates, latches, safety covers, and alarms, swim lessons, learning CPR and rescue techniques, having an emergency action plan, and supervising children closely even if there is a lifeguard present.

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 Please remember that adult supervision is always necessary regardless of the number of preventive measures you have in place. When supervising, avoid engaging in social activities, conversations, phone calls, reading, computer use, cooking, cleaning or any other distracting activities. Avoid consuming alcohol when supervising children.  Active and focused attention is a must, as drownings can happen silently in a short amount of time.

 If you are planning to embark on a ferry or kayak excursion to enjoy the display of the holiday city lightscape, make sure you look up weather conditions and thoroughly read safety and warning signs beforehand.  Remember to always wear a U.S. Coastguard approved lifejacket that fits properly.  Also, take care not to overload boats, carry a marine radio and tell someone, preferably the coastguard, where you are headed.  And again - alcohol consumption and aquatic activities should never mix.  

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Awareness and preparedness are key to keeping our loved ones safe in or near the water.  Take a bit of time this holiday season to read, plan, and prepare.  And as we like to say at the Albany Aquatic Center - “Don’t let your guard down!” 

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