Andy’s Safe Swimmer Promise for National Water Safety Month
The month of May is National Water Safety Awareness Month. While everyone enjoys making a splash during the warmer months, it’s important to stay safe while doing so. Water safety not only refers to how you behave in the water but around it as well. This month, Andy Alligator’s is encouraging its guests to sign Andy’s Safe Swimmer Promise. Those who take the water safety pledge will be given a certificate to take home as a reminder of the importance of water safety. Here are a few top water safety rules to keep in mind this summer to stay safe and have fun!
Maintain Equipment
It’s important to create sturdy barriers around pools or spas to block young children from accessing the water unsupervised. Other equipment surrounding pools such as decking, siding, fencing, stairs and ladders should be free of damage or fixed promptly to prevent accidents. At Andy Alligator’s, safety is the number one priority and the park ensures all equipment is safe for the season by checking for broken pieces and repairing it before the park opens to the public.
Learn to Swim
One of the best ways to reduce drowning risks in children is for them to learn how to swim at an early age. Research shows that children’s drowning risk is reduced if they learn to swim by four years old. It is a good idea for both parents and children to enroll in swimming lessons if they do not know how to swim.
Never Swim Alone
Swimming with a partner is always a good idea, for children and adults. Swimming with a friend is more fun and at the same time ensures that you can lookout for one another! If an accident were to happen in or around the water, a swimming partner can go for help. Each person should always bring at least one other skilled swimmer with them to swim. Parents should watch their children as well, even if there is another child or lifeguard present. A good precaution is to teach children to ask for permission before going near the water.
Don’t Swim Near Drains
Parents should always warn children of the danger of swimming near drains, as well as suction fittings and filters. Pool drains can create a large amount of suction as the water goes through the circulation system and back into the pool. Drain covers should be VGB Act compliant and checked frequently for damage. All drains at Andy Alligator’s are VGB Act compliant and are checked during routine maintenance.
Wear a Life Vest
Inexperienced swimmers should always wear a life vest. While it’s important to wear a life vest in the water, life vests should never be solely relied upon. Parents should always keep a close eye on children while they are in the water. Andy Alligator’s offers life vests free of charge and encourages guests to use them.
Learn CPR
Knowing how to perform CPR is an important skill that everyone should feel encouraged to learn. Accidents can happen at any time, and it is important for someone around to know how to administer CPR correctly. All lifeguards at Andy Alligator’s are CPR certified and are ready to respond all season if the need arises.
The Andy Alligator’s Safe Swimmer certificate is available at the front ticket counter throughout the month of May and is free of charge. Be sure to take a photo of your child with the signed certificate, post it on social media, tag Andy Alligator’s and include the hashtag #WaterSafetyMonth to be entered to win four water park passes! More information about the water safety pledge can be found online: AndyAlligators.com/specials.
It’s important to be aware about the dangers of water and what you can do to prevent a water-related injury from occurring. Take this opportunity to share with your family and friends what you’ve learned about how to stay safe in the water and use these tips to enjoy a safe and fun-filled summer.