Community Corner

Putnam Experts Urge Swimming Safety

They say bays, lakes, oceans, pools and rivers all pose risks—and some more than others.

Days after two youths died—the first a and the second a —following incidents in area pools, local officials have issued tips for staying safe in the water.

Experts at the Child Advocacy Center, located on Main Street in Brewster, released the following Monday:

Hot and humid days have arrived in our area and there are likely to be many more. This means more youngsters and adults will be heading to the water to cool off. Swimming pools present serious risks, especially when they are not properly gated on all four sides, or with improper supervision of young children. Open water also has a host of
unique dangers that puts pre-teens through adults at jeopardy as well.

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Open-water swimming takes place in outdoor bodies of water such as lakes, rivers, oceans, bays and even man-made structures such as canals and reservoirs, all of which may present hidden dangers. Lakes and rivers are hazardous, particularly where there are no lifeguards
on duty. Rivers in particular are perilous because the currents and bottom change—with submerged wood or rocks that can shift and present problems. Lakes possess unseen risks as well. Cold, deep, dark waters conceal vegetation that can accidently entrap a swimmer or diver.

Key tips for open-water swimming include:

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Know the water. Do not venture into open water (lakes, rivers, ocean, etc.) without knowing the possible dangers linked to the site’s water and weather conditions.

Know your limits. Drowning often happens when a person swims and gets too tired. Learn to swim, float and tread water, but don’t overestimate your abilities.

Select sites with lifeguards and always swim with a buddy.

For children: Never leave them unattended while swimming in open water or at apool. Avoid all distractions, such as talking on the phone or reading.
The complete International Open Water Drowning Prevention Guidelines is available here.


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