drowning
What does real drowning often look like?
Real drowning is quiet with face low in or under water
What is a rip current?
A rip current is strong water pulling away from shore
What makes a good buddy?
What makes a good buddy?
What should you wear if you're not a strong swimmer?
Wear a properly fitted life jacket
What is the first step in helping someone in trouble in the water?
Get help immediately
What should you do if you see someone struggling in the water?
Alert a lifeguard or adult immediately
You're at the beach and see someone struggling far from shore. What is the best action?
Get an adult/lifeguard and throw flotation device
What is the golden rule of water safety?
Never swim or play in water alone
When should you NOT go in the water?
Don't swim during storms, when sick, or when very tired
You're swimming and suddenly feel very tired and cold. What should you do?
Tell an adult, get out, and warm up
You're at a pool and notice a child is struggling to keep their head above water. What are the signs that they need help?
Struggling, unable to respond, face low in water
If you get caught in a rip current, which direction should you swim?
Swim parallel to shore
What should you do before getting in the water?
Ask permission and know your swimming ability
You want to go swimming at the pool, but none of your friends are there. What should you do?
Find a buddy or ask an adult to supervise
You want to dive into a lake you've never been to before. What should you do first?
Don't dive into unknown water
Imagine you're the buddy of a friend who suddenly doesn't respond to you in the water. What would you do and why is it important to act immediately?
Actions:
(1) Immediately alert a lifeguard or nearby adult
(2) Call 911 if no lifeguard is present
(3) Throw a flotation device if possible
(4) Point out their location to rescuers
(5)Follow emergency responders' instructions
When swimming at the beach, which safety practice is most important?
Never turn your back on ocean; watch for rip currents
Explain why the buddy system is so important for water safety.
(1) If something goes wrong, your buddy can get help immediately
(2) Drowning happens fast and silently—your buddy might notice before others
(3) Your buddy watches you and makes sure you're safe
(4) A buddy can save your life.
Why do you think water wings and inflatable toys are NOT safe to use as life jackets?
Water wings and inflatable toys are NOT safe because: (1) They can deflate or pop
(2) They're not designed for safety
(3) They give false confidence
(4) They can slip off
(5) They're not certified life jackets
(6) They don't provide proper flotation support. Life jackets are specifically designed and tested for safety.
You're swimming in a lake and need to get out. What should you do?
Tell an adult and exit carefully
Describe the difference between how drowning looks in movies versus how it actually looks in real life. Why is this difference important to know?
In movies, drowning looks dramatic—the person yells, waves arms, and splashes loudly. In real life, drowning is quiet—the person can't call for help, their face is low in or under water, and they may look like they're resting or playing. This is important because real drowning can happen silently, and you need to recognize the actual signs to help someone in time.
Compare three different water locations (pool, beach, lake) and explain the unique safety concerns for each.
• Pools: Follow lifeguard rules, know depth markers, use designated areas for skill level
• Beach/Ocean: Watch for rip currents, never turn your back on ocean, know lifeguard locations, avoid swimming alone
• Lakes/Rivers: Water is cold and unpredictable, wear life jacket, avoid boat traffic, know the area before entering
You're planning a day at the pool with your family. Create a water safety plan that includes all the "5 A's" (Always, Awareness, Alert, Armor, Avoid).
•Always: Use buddy system, never swim alone
• Awareness: Know your swimming ability, check water conditions and pool rules,
understand depth markers
• Alert: Know where lifeguards are, know emergency signs
• Armor: Wear life jackets if needed
• Avoid: Follow all rules, don't roughhouse, don't run on deck, don't dive in shallow areas
If you see someone in trouble in the water and there's no lifeguard nearby, what steps would you take?
Steps: (1) Alert a nearby adult or call 911 immediately; (2) Throw a life jacket, rope, or flotation device; (3) Reach with a pole or stick if close; (4) Only enter water if trained to rescue
Your friend keeps dunking you underwater as a "joke." What should you do?
Tell them to stop, get out, and tell an adult