More than 6,000 people drown in the United States each year. More than half of drowning victims were using alcohol or drugs. Use the following rules when swimming:
- Learn to swim.
- Never swim alone.
- Wear a personal flotation device.
- Don’t push or jump on others.
- Swim in designated areas.
- Don’t pretend to be drowning.
- Never dive in any lake or river. Tree stumps, rocks and floating logs can cause serious injury or death.
- Don’t use inflatable toys, rafts or inner tubes as lifesavers. If they are punctured or a swimmer falls off, the swimmer could be in danger of drowning.
- Swim near shore and away from boating channels. In heavy waves, it is almost impossible for a boater to spot a swimmer. A swimmer must be seen to be avoided.
- If in a boat that turns over, stay with the boat; wait for help. Don’t try to swim to shore.
- If someone else falls out of the boat, try to reach the person with a pole, branch and/or paddle.
