Water Safety Tips to Help Prevent Accidents & Injuries
Summers in South Carolina are known for being hot. Fortunately, along with those summer temperatures, our area also provides an abundant number of options when it comes to cooling off. From floating the Edisto to catching a wave at the beach, the Palmetto State offers a variety of water activities to suit every age and interest. While all of these activities provide a good way to have fun while keeping cool, it is important to use caution and to practice water safety in order to prevent accidental and injuries. Regardless of whether you enjoy being on, in, or just near the water, we have collected the following water safety tips to help your friends and loved ones be both safe and injury free during any outing.
Water Related Injuries
Whatever type of water related activities you enjoy, it is important to be aware of your risks when it comes to accidental injuries. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), drowning is one of the most common types of water related injury, and it is the fifth leading cause of accidental injury death in the United States. Roughly ten people die each day as a result of drowning accidents, and adults, as well as children, can be at risk. In addition to fatal accidents, non-fatal drowning injuries can cause a lack of oxygen to reach the brain, resulting in brain damage, memory loss, and permanent disability.
In addition to drowning, injuries can also result from diving into shallow pools or near propeller blades, stepping on broken glass in pools or at the beach, slipping on wet surfaces, and getting too close to public pool filtering systems. These injuries can include the following:
- Head and brain injuries
- Neck, back, and spinal cord injuries
- Broken bones and fractures
- Muscle or tendon strains, sprains, and tears
- Severe cuts and lacerations
For a free legal consultation, call 803-222-2222
Water Safety Tips
While many people enjoy water related activities that are common in our area, such as boating, swimming, parasailing, and jet skiing, others would rather be resting comfortably on a towel or beach chair. Whatever your preference, you can help prevent accidents and injuries by following these water safety tips from the American Red Cross:
- Make sure everyone in your group knows how to swim.
- Never swim or go out on the water alone, and always let someone know where you are going.
- When engaging in activities such as boating or jet skiing, always use a life vest.
- Check to make sure the water is deep enough before diving in.
- Avoid alcohol use, and never swim or operate a boat or other recreational equipment when impaired.
Be especially cautious with children, and always make sure they are supervised when at a pool, on the beach, or anytime they are in or near water.
Let Us Assist You Today
If you or someone you care about suffers an accidental injury, contact Anastopoulo Law Firm today. If your injury is caused by the reckless or negligent actions of another, our experienced personal injury attorneys can advise you on how to hold these parties accountable so that you can get the compensation you need to recover.
Call or text 803-222-2222 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form
