Swimming

• Never leave children unsupervised near water. 
• Learn to swim and tread water. 
• Never swim alone. Every swimmer should be supervised, and this applies to pools, lakes, and rivers. 
• Learn lifesaving skills (first aid and lifesaving courses). 
• Put secure, four-sided fencing and barriers around residential swimming pools and open water. Read more about proper pool fencing.
• Avoid alcohol and drugs, even in small amounts, when swimming. 
• Feet first, first time! Protect your neck and head – never dive into shallow or unknown water. Learn to do shallow dives. Twice your height is the safe depth of water for diving. Read more about safe diving.
• Check the weather and water conditions, especially in rivers and lakes. 
• Identify water-related hazards (such as docks, rocks, and logs) in your community so that other participants will be aware.