Rules of safe behavior on and near water bodies

Among the main causes of water accidents is a gross violation of safety rules. Quite often, swimming in unsuitable and unequipped bodies of water ends tragically. There are many cases when some people, boasting of their skill, swim far from the shore, dive and jump into the water in unfamiliar places. As a result of such actions, one can not only die, but also end up confined to a wheelchair for life due to injuries sustained from impacts.

Unfortunately, quite often during long school holidays, children are left to their own devices and, with the onset of warm days, are drawn to the water. At this time, adults need to be especially vigilant, because it doesn't take much time for trouble to strike, and it doesn't matter how old the child is – a preschooler or a teenager – they should only swim and play near bodies of water under adult supervision. Unfortunately, after a tragedy has occurred, nothing can be corrected or returned, so it is better to take all safety measures in a timely manner, organize reasonable leisure for your children, and most importantly – under no circumstances leave them unattended even for a minute.

Safety Measures While Swimming

- refrain from swimming in unknown and unsuitable bodies of water; if there is no equipped beach nearby, choose a safe place for swimming with a firm, sandy, uncluttered bottom and a gradual slope.

- avoid swimming alone;

- do not enter the water while intoxicated, as alcohol blocks the vasoconstrictor and vasodilator centers of the brain.

- never jump into the water in places not specially equipped: you can hit your head on the bottom, a stone, or another object, easily lose consciousness, injure yourself, and die.

- it is not allowed to dive from bridges, piers, jetties, or swim close to passing boats, motorboats, and ships.

- it is forbidden to swim on inflatable mattresses, car inner tubes (especially if you cannot swim). Wind or current can carry them far from the shore, and a wave can swamp them, air can escape from them, and they will lose buoyancy;

- do not allow rough horseplay in the water: diving under swimmers, grabbing their legs, "drowning," giving false distress signals, etc.;

- do not swim beyond the restrictive signs, as they delineate an area with a checked bottom, a certain depth, where the absence of whirlpools, etc., is guaranteed. Do not swim far from the shore or cross a body of water for sport.

- do not leave children unattended near the water.