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WATER SAFETY PART TWO: THE LAKE

© Kathleen Newton

As we continue on the topic of water safety, the lake is where we find ourselves this week. Certainly, there seems to be more danger associated with the ocean, but as you?ll see, the lake presents its own set of hazards.

Just to remind you (especially if you haven?t already read the article on ocean safety), there are four basic rules that apply to everyone, no matter where you're swimming:

LEARN TO SWIM: this one is pretty self-explanatory.

KNOW YOUR LIMITS: don't try to keep up with swimmers who are stronger and/or more advanced than you are.

NEVER SWIM ALONE: No matter how strong a swimmer you are, the unexpected can happen. ALWAYS swim with a buddy.

LEARN CPR: Unfortunately, drownings and near-drownings aren't uncommon. Incidentally, a near-drowning is one of the few instances where rescue breathing may be the only emergency action necessary.

When you think of a lake, what comes to mind? Certainly not Jaws, as in the case of the ocean. When I think of the word ?lake?, I envision a calm, serene body of water. A few birds singing peacefully in the trees at the lake?s edge. Tiny ripples in the water near the shore where a frog is looking for a lily pad. Sounds beautiful, right? In reality, it IS beautiful, at least until a speedboat races by.

Let?s look at some of the dangers associated with the lake:

BOATS: Boats pose a serious threat to others on the lake. Not just swimmers, but other boaters as well. Here are some tips for boating safety, whether you?re in the boat, or in the water.

-Take a boating safety course. This applies to everyone who spends time on the lake. If you understand the rules and regulations of boating, you?ll be better prepared to deal with boats on the lake, even if you?re only a swimmer.

-DON?T DRINK AND DRIVE!! Of course this applies to driving a car, but it also applies to driving a boat. Alcohol impairs you just as much driving a boat as it does driving a car.

-Obey all boating rules and regulations. Be courteous to other boaters on the lake.

-If you?re swimming in the lake, always be aware of any boats in the surrounding area. Don?t swim too far from shore, and if you?re able, wear a brightly-colored swimsuit or hat.

CURRENTS: The lake may LOOK calm and peaceful on the surface, but go down a few feet and you could encounter dangerous undercurrents.

The copyright of the article WATER SAFETY PART TWO: THE LAKE in First Aid is owned by Kathleen Newton. Permission to republish WATER SAFETY PART TWO: THE LAKE in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.