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Getting Prepared for Summer Activities – Part 3

Summer Swimming

Free Swimming

One of the best feelings in the world is your first dip of the season, in the river, lake or ocean of your choice. The smell of the water, and the cool water washing away the grime and anxieties of your week—make for an experience that’s hard to compare to anything else!

If someone told you that you could never swim in anything but a pool, for the rest of your life, you’d probably be highly disappointed. We’re not here to tell you that you should avoid those summer dips—because that would be plain cruel. Instead, because we’re all about being prepared and planning ahead for ultimate safety, we want to share some safety tips.

Rivers, lakes and oceans can contain bacteria that affect your health in dire ways. So before you jump in, consider these things:

  1. When you’re swimming, try to avoid swallowing any water and keep your eyes shut underwater unless you’re wearing goggles.
  2. Hold off on swimming at all if you have open cuts or wounds, because those are the perfect places for bacteria to get into your system.
  3. When you’re finished swimming, take a shower to rinse off any potentially harmful bacteria.
  4. If you scratch yourself on any rocks while you’re swimming, make sure that you clean the cuts as soon as possible.
  5. If you feel or see any signs of an infection, such as red spots, get to a doctor right away.

With the right treatment, even a staph infection doesn’t need to be deadly, but it’s up to you to be aware and think about the possible risks and preventative measures you can take.

Some other safety precautions to take when you’re swimming are to go with a friend, bring along a first aid kit that includes cut-cleaning supplies, and also bring a personal flotation device if you’re not a strong swimmer or are prone to cramps.

-Content created by Sophie Wooding – Writer, gardener, cyclist and emergency preparedness enthusiast!

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