Marking World Drowning Prevention Day, Blueguard, the UAE’s leading water safety and first aid company is on a mission to raise awareness and save lives through essential water safety education.
With the heat of summer now fading, the outdoor life and allure of water-related activities is upon us. In their pursuit of water safety excellence, Blueguard highlights the following crucial points:
Overall Tips To Consider:
- Safe swimming practices: Swim only in designated areas supervised by lifeguards, adhering to posted signs and guidelines.
- Knowing the conditions: Understand weather and water conditions before swimming in open water settings to avoid dangerous situations.
- Boat and water sports safety: Always wear life jackets and comply with water safety rules.
- Empowering with CPR and first aid: Enroll in Blueguard’s CPR and first aid courses to equip yourself with life-saving skills.
Before entering the water, have a well-defined exit strategy in place
Top Water Safety Tips for Hikers and Wadi Explorers:
- Stay clear of unstable bank edges: While hiking next to open water, ensure a safe distance from the bank edges to avoid slips, trips and falls due to instability.
- Always explore with a friend: Opt for hiking and exploration with a companion, never venture alone, as this enhances safety and provides immediate assistance in emergencies.
- Proper lighting during low light: For hikes before sunrise or after sunset, ensure correct lighting and visibility to prevent any unforeseen hazards.
- Plan for a clear and safe exit: Before entering the water, have a well-defined exit strategy in place to swiftly and securely leave the area.
- Check water depth: Assess the water’s depth before entering, reducing the risk of unexpected submersion and ensuring a safer experience.
- Learn basic survival skills: Equip yourself with essential survival skills to effectively handle unforeseen water-related challenges and emergencies.
- In case of a fall, stay calm and float: If you accidentally fall into the water, stay calm, float on your back to conserve energy and call for help immediately.
How to Keep Children Safe:
- Active supervision: Actively supervise children around water, staying within arm’s reach and avoiding distractions to be ready to respond promptly.
- Restricted access: Secure pool areas with fencing and gates to restrict children’s access to water, ensuring their safety even when unsupervised.
- Teach water safety skills: Beyond swimming, impart essential water safety skills to children, fostering confidence and competence around water.
- Emergency preparedness: Acquire water rescue skills and CPR knowledge to be well-prepared in handling any water-related emergencies effectively.