Sunday Newscape Magazine

The survey of more than 1,000 adults, taken in advance of the summer vacation season, also shows while over 90% of  families with young children will be in the water at some point this summer, almost half (48%) plan to swim in a place with no lifeguard.

Download the Water Safety Poll [PDF]

“With so many families planning to visit unsupervised beaches and pools, it’s important for parents to make water safety a priority,” says Scott Conner, Senior Vice President for Preparedness and Health and Safety Services. “Learn how to swim and take water safety, first aid and CPR/AED training so you’ll know what to do in an emergency.”

The Red Cross recommends people swim in areas protected by lifeguards. But whether there are lifeguards or not, adults should constantly supervise children no matter how well they can swim or how shallow the water.

The risk of drowning highlights the need for both swim lessons and water safety training, so adults and children know what to do in a water emergency, and CPR/AED training to assist those who might need help because of a water emergency.

With many pools, beaches and water parks opening this Memorial Day Weekend, the survey’s sobering data is an important reminder for adults and children to practice safe habits in and around the water this summer.

In addition to swimming with a buddy in a supervised area, the Red Cross recommends the following simple safety tips:

• Check the water first, if someone is missing.
• If someone is in the water and needs help, reach or throw something out to them - don’t go in unless you are trained.
• Know how and when to call 9-1-1 or the local emergency number.
• Enroll in Red Cross water safety, first aid and CPR courses to learn what to do.

The American Red Cross offers swim lessons for kids of all ages, starting with parent and child water orientation classes for children as young as 6 months to about 3 years old, preschool lessons for children about 4-5 years old, and learn-to-swim lessons for children about age 6 through adults. For more details, visit RedCross.org and contact your local Red Cross chapter to find out which aquatic facilities in your area offer Red Cross Water Safety programs.

Details: Telephone survey of 1,002 U.S. Adults 18 years and older on March 20-23, 2009 conducted by ORC International.