{"id":13168,"date":"2026-07-15T20:26:22","date_gmt":"2026-07-15T20:26:22","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/jamaicahospital.org\/newsletter\/?p=13168"},"modified":"2026-07-15T20:26:22","modified_gmt":"2026-07-15T20:26:22","slug":"swim-safety-tips-3","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/jamaicahospital.org\/newsletter\/swim-safety-tips-3\/","title":{"rendered":"Swim Safety Tips"},"content":{"rendered":"<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\"><a href=\"https:\/\/jamaicahospital.org\/newsletter\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/GettyImages-509106258.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-medium wp-image-13171 aligncenter\" src=\"https:\/\/jamaicahospital.org\/newsletter\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/GettyImages-509106258-300x200.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"200\" srcset=\"https:\/\/jamaicahospital.org\/newsletter\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/GettyImages-509106258-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/jamaicahospital.org\/newsletter\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/GettyImages-509106258-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/jamaicahospital.org\/newsletter\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/GettyImages-509106258-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/jamaicahospital.org\/newsletter\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/GettyImages-509106258-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/jamaicahospital.org\/newsletter\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/GettyImages-509106258-2048x1365.jpg 2048w, https:\/\/jamaicahospital.org\/newsletter\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/GettyImages-509106258-450x300.jpg 450w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px\" \/><\/a>Summer is here, and that means a lot of time is spent at beaches and pools where we can all cool off from the heat. Here are some important things to know before getting in the water this summer.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">When around any body of water, there is always a risk of drowning.\u00a0Drowning only\u00a0takes a moment and is often silent. A\u00a0child\u00a0or a weak swimmer can drown\u00a0in the amount of\u00a0time it takes to send a text, check a fishing line, or apply sunscreen.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Death and injury from drowning happen every day in home pools and hot tubs, at the beach, or in oceans, lakes, rivers, streams, bathtubs, or even buckets.\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Here are some facts and statistics on drowning:<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><span data-contrast=\"auto\">It is the leading cause of death for children ages one to four years old, and the second leading cause of unintentional injury death for children ages five to 14\u00a0years old<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span data-contrast=\"auto\">More than half of the fatal and non-fatal drownings among people 15 years or older occur in natural waters<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span data-contrast=\"auto\">About 40% of drowning deaths among children ages five to 14 occur in natural water, such as oceans, lakes, rivers, and streams<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Drowning can also be non-fatal. Non-fatal drowning can result in long-term health problems and costly hospital stays. Drowning injuries can cause brain damage and other serious outcomes, including\u00a0long-term disability.\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">There are several steps you can take to prevent death or injury. Water safety is key, so being water-competent is imperative.\u00a0Here are three components of water competency:<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Water Smarts<\/span><\/b><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Put a fence around your home swimming pool. The fence should be at least four feet high and should fully enclose the pool, and also keep it separate from the house. The fence needs a self-closing and self-latching gate<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span data-contrast=\"auto\">All toys that might attract a child need to be removed from the pool when no one is using it<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Know your limitations, such as physical fitness and medical conditions<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Never swim alone. Swim with friends or where lifeguards or water watchers are present<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Always wear a life jacket while boating, regardless of swimming skill. Wear a U.S. Coast Guard-approved life jacket appropriate for your weight, size, and water activity. It is important to know that swim accessories, such as swim belts, floaties, armbands, or water wings, do not prevent you from drowning, and can easily slip off, especially when jumping in the water. Water wings can produce a false sense of safety for adults and children<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Swim sober<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Understand the dangers of hyperventilation and hypoxic blackout<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Know how to call for help<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Understand and adjust for the unique risks of the water environment, such as:<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span>\n<ul>\n<li><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Ocean rip currents<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li data-leveltext=\"o\" data-font=\"Courier New\" data-listid=\"3\" data-list-defn-props=\"{&quot;335552541&quot;:1,&quot;335559685&quot;:1800,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769226&quot;:&quot;Courier New&quot;,&quot;469769242&quot;:[9675],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;o&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;hybridMultilevel&quot;}\" data-aria-posinset=\"2\" data-aria-level=\"2\"><span data-contrast=\"auto\">River currents<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Underwater hazards, such as vegetation and animals<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Water temperature<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Shallow or unclear water<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Swimming Skills<\/span><\/b><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Swimming lessons can reduce the risk of drowning. However, over half of adults in the U.S. have never taken a swimming lesson.\u00a0Learn how to perform these five skills in every type of water environment that you may\u00a0encounter:<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;335559685&quot;:720}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Getting in and out of the water safely<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Float or tread water for at least one minute<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Turn over and around in the water<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Swim at least 25 yards<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Exit the water<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Helping Others<\/span><\/b><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">These actions will help your family or loved ones avoid emergencies, and help you respond if an emergency occurs:<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;335559685&quot;:720}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Paying close attention to children or weak swimmers you are supervising in or near water<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Knowing the signs that someone is drowning<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Knowing ways to safely assist a person who is drowning, such as \u201creach or throw, don\u2019t go\u201d<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Knowing CPR and first aid<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">It is important to be well-prepared when in or around pools and bodies of water, and to follow proper safety precautions to reduce the risk of drowning. These swim safety tips can help you enjoy your summer and keep you and your loved ones safe. If you or someone you are with is experiencing an emergency, call 911 immediately.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"disclaimer\">All content of this newsletter is intended for general information purposes only and is not intended or implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment.  Please consult a medical professional before adopting any of the suggestions on this page.   You must never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking medical treatment based upon any content of this newsletter.<strong>  PROMPTLY CONSULT YOUR PHYSICIAN OR CALL 911 IF YOU BELIEVE YOU HAVE A MEDICAL EMERGENCY.<\/strong> <\/p>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Summer is here, and that means a lot of time is spent at beaches and pools where we can all cool off from the heat. Here are some important things to know before getting in the water this summer.\u00a0 When &hellip; <a href=\"https:\/\/jamaicahospital.org\/newsletter\/swim-safety-tips-3\/\">Continue reading <span class=\"meta-nav\">&rarr;<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":43,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[5,1,61,14,24,3,17,4],"tags":[300,722,2235,2364,473],"class_list":["post-13168","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-general-health","category-health","category-lifestyle","category-mens-health","category-parenting","category-pediatric-care","category-trauma","category-womens-health","tag-parenting","tag-health","tag-mens-health","tag-swim-safety-tips","tag-womens-health"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/jamaicahospital.org\/newsletter\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/13168","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/jamaicahospital.org\/newsletter\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/jamaicahospital.org\/newsletter\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/jamaicahospital.org\/newsletter\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/43"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/jamaicahospital.org\/newsletter\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=13168"}],"version-history":[{"count":3,"href":"https:\/\/jamaicahospital.org\/newsletter\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/13168\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":13172,"href":"https:\/\/jamaicahospital.org\/newsletter\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/13168\/revisions\/13172"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/jamaicahospital.org\/newsletter\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=13168"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/jamaicahospital.org\/newsletter\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=13168"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/jamaicahospital.org\/newsletter\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=13168"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}