Swim Smart
Educating adults and teenagers about Wild Swimming water safety
Alcohol and drugs boost confidence but reduce ability. Stay close enough to others to give and receive help if necessary. Swim only in clear unpolluted water. Don't let weeds or submerged rocks take you by surprise.
Dive into water that is too shallow and you could break your neck and end up paralyzed. Check the waters depth first and then keep a lookout for others so that you don't dive or jump onto them.
Let your body adjust to cold water and stay close to the bank or shore. If you get cold GET OUT and warm up before cramp or exhaustion rob you of options. If swept out to sea by a riptide, swim parallel to the shore and then start swimming directly back to land staying out of the rip. If you get tired float on your back for a while and take a rest. If swept downstream float on your back with your feet in front of you toes to the surface. Bend your knees so that your feet will cushion you should you run into an obstruction without jarring your spine. Move towards an eddy where the current is slack to get out.
Don't drink and drown!
Don't swim alone!
Check the depth!
Protect your feet!
Wear foot protection. Trainers are ideal; they soon dry and may even smell sweeter after a dip.
Adjust to the cold!
Getting out of trouble!
Teach Younger Children how to SWIM SAFE
Reader's responsibility: Whilst every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the information presented here, anyone who decides to swim in open water should remember that this is not entirely without risk. Neither the author nor the publishers will be held legally or financially responsible for any accident, injury, loss or inconvenience sustained as a result of the information or advice contained herein.