WATER SAFETY SAVES LIVES

Water can be enjoyable, but conditions can change quickly and drowning can happen with little or no warning. U.S. Water Rescue Dive Team is committed to helping prevent water-related injuries and deaths through education and awareness.

Why Water Safety Matters

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimates that more than 4,000 people die from unintentional drowning each year in the United States, with thousands more surviving nonfatal drowning incidents.

Drowning is especially dangerous for children. More children ages 1–4 die from drowning than from any other cause of death.

General Water Safety

Learn to swim and know your own swimming ability and limitations.
Never swim alone.
Whenever possible, swim in designated areas supervised by lifeguards.
Wear a properly fitted U.S. Coast Guard-approved life jacket when boating and whenever conditions or swimming ability make one appropriate.
Never rely on a life jacket as a substitute for active supervision of children.
Know the weather, water temperature and water conditions before entering the water.
Stay out of the water during thunderstorms and lightning.
Avoid alcohol when swimming, boating or supervising children around water.

Children & Water

Children around water require constant, active supervision. Drowning is often fast and silent and may not look like the splashing and yelling commonly shown in movies.

Designate a responsible adult as the Water Watcher. Their only job should be watching the people in and around the water without distractions such as phones, conversations or other activities.

If a child is missing, check the water first. Seconds matter.

IF SOMEONE IS IN TROUBLE IN THE WATER

REACH OR THROW — DON'T GO

REACH — If the person is close enough, stay on shore, a dock or another stable surface and extend a sturdy object such as a pole or paddle for them to grab. Stay low and brace yourself so you are not pulled into the water.

THROW — If the person is too far away to reach, throw them something that floats, such as a life jacket, life ring or rescue buoy. Tell them to grab onto it and hold on.

DON'T GO — Do not enter the water to attempt a rescue unless you are trained and equipped to do so. A person in distress can unintentionally pull a rescuer underwater, creating a second victim. Call 911 and get professional rescue help.

Boating Safety

Know your boat and understand how to operate it safely.
Wear a properly fitted U.S. Coast Guard-approved life jacket.
Check weather and water conditions before leaving shore.
Make sure required safety and emergency equipment is aboard and accessible.
Never operate a boat while impaired by alcohol or drugs.
Tell someone where you are going and when you expect to return.
Keep a reliable means of communication available and protected from the water.

Rivers & Moving Water

Moving water can be much more powerful than it appears. Currents, changing depths and underwater hazards can quickly overwhelm even strong swimmers.

Never underestimate the strength of moving water.
Wear a life jacket when recreating in or around rivers and swift-moving water.
Watch for changing water levels, current speed and weather conditions.
Be aware of submerged trees, rocks, debris, drop-offs and other unseen hazards.
Cold water can quickly affect breathing, strength and the ability to swim.
Do not enter moving water to rescue another person unless trained and properly equipped.

Flood Safety

Flood water is unpredictable and can rise rapidly. Roads, bridges and familiar areas may be damaged or hidden beneath the water.

Pay attention to weather forecasts, warnings and emergency alerts.
Move to higher ground when flooding threatens.
Never drive through a flooded roadway.
Do not walk into moving flood water.
Keep children away from flood water, drainage areas and swollen creeks.
Assume flood water may contain debris, contamination and other hidden hazards.

TURN AROUND, DON'T DROWN

According to the National Weather Service, just 6 inches of moving water can knock a person down, about 1 foot of water can float many vehicles, and 2 feet of rushing water can carry away most vehicles.

Water is powerful. Knowledge and preparation can save a life.

Take water safety seriously, watch out for one another, and never hesitate to call for professional help when someone is in danger.

IN AN EMERGENCY, CALL 911.

Water safety information based on guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, American Red Cross and National Weather Service.