Vermont's lakes, rivers and swimming holes are an important part of our recreational landscape. However, unintentional drowning can occur. In Vermont, 8 deaths on average occur each year due to unintentional drowning. Whether boating, swimming or just splashing around, there are ways we can enjoy water activities more safely.
Tips to Safely Enjoy Water Activities
- Always swim with a buddy. Never swim alone or allow someone to swim alone.
- Do not leave young children unattended near the water. Never trust a child to watch another child. Assign an adult to be a Water Watcher. This person is always watching every swimmer to be sure they are safe, and is not distracted with a cell phone, eating or reading a book. Adults can take turns being the “watcher” so the other adults can relax and have fun with the group.
- Drowning is not like in the movies where actors splash about and yell for help. It is swift and silent, so you may not see that a child or adult is in trouble until it is too late. Pay attention.
- Learn to swim, and teach your children to swim. But, even as children gain good water skills, don’t let up on your oversight because they still need supervision from an adult.
- Make sure that others in your group swim in areas appropriate for their swimming ability.
- Always stay within arm’s reach of young children.
- Avoid alcohol. Do not drink and swim.
- In case of an emergency, dial 9-1-1.
- Become an ambassador for water safety with a class from the American Red Cross.
The CDC has more tips on water safety. Teach your children about water safety with the CDC's water safety website.