swimwear - sea safety
Sea safety Sea swimming safety
An afternoon at the pool or beach is a great way to escape summer heat Understanding the risks of being around water and following some basic safety rules greatly reduces your chance of injury or drowning Follow these tips to keep you and the young swimmers in your life safe in the water
Learn to swim
This might seem obvious, but the best way you can stay safe around water is to know how to swim  Teach your children to swim at an early age — you can start them in classes as early as age 4 Enrol them in classes that stress proper technique and injury prevention And if you're the one who doesn't know how to swim, it isn't too late Community facilities, such as the YMCA or YWCA, often have adult classes Learning to swim and learning how to be safe around water is your best defence against drowning
Use life jackets
A Coast Guard-approved life jacket is essential for safety, especially for beginning swimmers or young children Don't substitute air-filled devices — such as water wings or an inflatable raft for a life jacket If such devices suddenly shift position or deflate, a novice swimmer will be in trouble

Supervise children closely
Keep an eye on your children at all times when they're near or in the water Be vigilant — distractions such as talking on the phone and reading a book take your attention away from the kids at play Never let small children swim alone Avoid unsupervised areas Whenever possible, swim in an area that has a lifeguard
Don't dive into the unknown
If you're swimming in a new place, check the water depth before getting in and avoid diving Severe neck injuries and paralysis can result from diving into water that's too shallow Play it safe with this rule: Never dive into an unknown body of water
Avoid alcohol
Stay sober in the water Alcohol affects your balance and coordination and can impair your swimming skills It may also alter your sense of judgment — which might lead you to do something that you wouldn't risk otherwise