Hey guys, so if you follow me on Instagram you will know that I recently set up a water safety awareness challenge where each day I posted some water safety tips and advice! I had planned to run the challenge for 14 days but for reasons out of my control, I only made it as far as day number 8! 😭 As promised, here are the tips I posted so that you can read over them again and hopefully have more knowledge of water safety and it’s importance especially as we enter into the summer season!
- One short blast – the lifeguard is calling the attention of another pool user.
- Two short blasts – the lifeguard is calling the attention of another lifeguard.
- Three short blasts – the lifeguard is taking emergency action.
- One long blast – the lifeguard may be about to clear the pool and is calling the attention of all the pool users.
Day 2 – Beach flags!
There are three types of flags to watch out for while at the beach!
- Black & white flag – area only to be used by surfers etc. but no swimming allowed.
- Red flag – it is dangerous to swim and you should not enter the water.
- Red & yellow flag – safe to swim and there is a lifeguard on duty.
Always keep between the flags on the beach and make sure there is a lifeguard on duty before you enter the water.
Day 3 – Don’t hold your breath under water!
This is one of the most dangerous things a person can do under the water. As a swimming instructor I know that most kids love to hold their breath under water for as long as possible. This can cause shallow water blackout and you can lose consciousness under water. If you are not rescued immediately, your lungs will fill with water and you will drown!
Day 4 – The 3 simple rescues!
- Shout – use your voice to get the attention of the person and encourage them to come back to the shore.
- Reach – Using something to hold and reach out to the person in need. For example, a branch from a tree or clothing.
- Throw – Throwing a buoyant object to the person, such as a ringbuoy or anything that floats.
Day 5 – How to throw a ringbuoy!
This is extremely important to know, as everyone has seen one of these at some stage, whether at the beach, pool, river, lake etc.
- Grab the nearest ringbuoy and either stand on the end of the rope or hold it in your hand.
- Call the attention of the person in need keep communicating with them.
- Swing back the ringbuoy and throw forward using an under arm throw. Shout at the person that you are throwing the ringbuoy to them.
- Aim to throw it past the person so that you can pull it in close to them to grab a hold of.
- Keep reassuring the person and keep contact at all times while slowly pulling them to safety.
Day 6 – Pool depth!
Always remember to check how deep a pool is before you enter and also never dive into shallow water!
Day 7 – Always learn how to use your equipment before trying it out!
This is very important to remember, always make sure you understand what everything is for and how to use it correctly before you head out to the water! Never swim after anything drifting as you could get yourself into trouble if you swim out too far!
Day 8 – No alcohol before swimming!
Never consume alcohol before swimming as your judgement will be impaired and you may get yourself into a lot of danger in the water! Also remember never to eat just before swimming!
Thanks to everyone for taking part in my water safety awareness challenge and for helping to make people more aware of the water! If you have any questions or anything else you would like to know, you can contact me by email which is; Hello@PatrickMungovan.com 😎 Until next time!
Patrick Mungovan 