Recommendations
In summer, children are most at risk. Therefore, be sure to explain to them how to behave on the water to avoid trouble. Do not lose sight of them – always be on alert, because help may be needed at any moment. Remember that you are an example to your child, so strictly observe the rules of behavior on the water yourself!
One of the problems with swimming is losing a sense of moderation, although prolonged stay in the water leads to hypothermia. Chills and shivering should be a reason to immediately get out of the water and warm up, for example, by taking a short energetic run. The duration of swimming depends on the water and air temperature, and wind strength. Optimal conditions are clear, windless weather from +25°C and water not lower than +18°C.
Enter the water gradually to avoid a sudden temperature drop and vascular spasm. Do not rush to dive immediately after overheating: move to the shade, cool down, and only then go swimming. Do not swim on an empty or full stomach – it's better to wait an hour and a half after eating. Under no circumstances should you swim during a thunderstorm!
When swimming long distances, conserve your energy, stopping from time to time to rest on the water: lying on your back or with your knees and elbows pressed to your chest and stomach (like a float). Do not swim far from the shore on inflatable mattresses and rings, especially if your swimming skills leave much to be desired. In this case, stay closer to the shore so that you can touch the bottom with your feet at any moment.
Basic rules for safe behavior on the water.
Swim only in designated areas.
Do not swim beyond the boundaries of swimming areas.
Do not swim while intoxicated, do not dive from bridges, piers, or other places.
Closely supervise children who are swimming (within arm's reach).
Do not swim on inflatable tubes, boards, or mattresses.
Do not engage in water games involving grabbing each other's legs, arms, or head, and do not give false distress signals.
Do not swim near passing vessels or boats.
When boating, observe traffic rules on water bodies, always have a lifebuoy and life jackets for the number of passengers, do not overload the boat, and do not allow young children in the boat without adults.
For assistance, call 101 or 112.
Rules of conduct on water for children
1. Rest before swimming, do not enter the water overheated or sweaty, do a warm-up.
2. Enter the water slowly and carefully, once you are waist-deep, stop and quickly immerse yourself completely.
3. Do not swim far from the shore, do not swim beyond warning signs (markings, buoys).
4. Do not stay in the water for more than 15-20 minutes.
5. Do not stand still in the water, swim and bathe.
6. Do not swim alone, especially if you are not confident in your abilities.
7. Do not engage in water games involving grabbing each other's legs, arms, or head.
8. If something scares you in the water, do not scream, as water may enter your lungs.
9. Do not go into the water above your waist if you cannot swim or swim poorly.
10. Do not swim into areas where motorboats, jet skis, or vessels are moving, and do not approach them.
11. If you see a motorboat or jet ski moving towards you, wave your hands to be noticed and swim to the side.
12. Do not swim far on an inflatable mattress or ring; the inflatable flotation device may malfunction or you may be carried away from the shore by the wind.
13. Do not attempt to swim on logs, boards, or makeshift rafts.
14. Calculate your strength when swimming so that you have enough for the return journey to the shore.
15. If you feel tired, calmly swim to the shore; you can rest for a while lying down or swimming on your back.
16. Do not try to dive deep or swim underwater for as long as possible.
17. Do not dive in unfamiliar places – there may be stones, snags, metal rods, etc., at the bottom.
18. Do not cling to boats, do not climb onto navigation equipment signs – buoys, markers, etc.;
19. On the water, keep an eye on younger siblings.
Water Incidents
Cramps. Occur quite often, anywhere and anytime, so it's essential to know how to deal with them. First, don't panic or get lost. Take a deep breath and immerse yourself completely underwater. Firmly grasp your big toe and pull your foot strongly towards you until the cramped leg straightens. Immediately swim to shore.
Whirlpool. Inhale as much air as possible, immerse yourself in the water, and, making a dash in the direction of the current, surface.
Strong current. Use it to get closer to the shore, but do not swim across it.
Weed beds. Getting entangled in them is unpleasant, but not so scary. Staying afloat, calmly pull your legs up and carefully free yourself.
Drowning. The main thing is to keep calm: do not thrash, calm down and turn onto your stomach or back, spread your arms and legs as wide as possible – this will bring you to the surface. To take a new breath, lying on your stomach, lift your head, and then exhale into the water. Lying on your back – breathe slowly and deeply. Do not exhale completely; there should always be air in your lungs to keep you afloat. For the same purpose, gently scoop water under yourself with your hands. Rest a little and slowly move towards the shore.
Rescuing a drowning person
Call for help from other people or rescuers.
Throw a lifebuoy or a long rope with a knot at the end to the drowning person.
If there is a boat, approach the person in it and try to help. If you are confident in your abilities and swim well, try to reach them yourself.
Upon approaching, grab the victim from behind by the shoulders and prevent their unconscious attempts to cling to you, then swim back. If the drowning person is unconscious, drag them to the shore, holding their chin with your hand so that their face remains above the water.
Ask those around you to call an ambulance and immediately proceed to provide first aid. Respiratory paralysis occurs 4–6 minutes after immersion, and cardiac activity can persist for up to 15 minutes, so this must be done quickly.
If the person has lost consciousness or has swallowed water, remove it from their lungs: place the victim on their stomach on a roller (log, knee) so that their head hangs down, and then sharply press between their shoulder blades with open palms (repeat until water flows from their mouth).
If the victim is still not breathing after this, cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) should be performed: turn them onto their back and lay them on a hard surface, clear their nose and mouth of dirt and silt. Begin artificial respiration and indirect heart massage: 2 breaths – 30 compressions (when CPR is performed by 2 people). Continue until they can breathe independently.
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