Monterey locals and tourists will soon be looking for ways to cool off as the temperatures heat up. Despite our cooler water temperatures, many children will have no problem jumping right into the water at Carmel River or Lovers Point. Families will also participate in kayaking, paddle boarding, surfing, boating, or hanging out at the local pools on the peninsula, in Salinas, and in south county.
However, water activities often come with risks. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, drowning is one of the leading causes of death for children ages 1–4, and every year there are over 4,000 unintentional deaths related to drowning incidents. Many of these drowning incidents can be prevented by ensuring children are exposed to swimming techniques at a young age and that families use common swim safety practices.
The California Department of Parks and Recreation recommends rules of swim safety that should be implemented at pools and with outdoor water activities.
ONLY SWIM IN DESIGNATED AREAS
Parents and children must abide by guidelines when visiting local beaches and rivers. Often, there will be signs indicating whether the area is designated for swimming. It’s important to note that even though water may be shallow or inviting, there could be dangers hidden from the naked eye. There could be areas contaminated with certain bacteria or places with uneven surfaces, currents, and undertows caused by changing and unpredictable weather. If you see a sign that says, “No swimming,” make sure to listen and find a designated area.
AVOID TOO COLD WATER
While the water is typically cooler in the Monterey area, water that is too cold can present a very serious safety risk. Water that ranges anywhere from 30 to 40 degrees should be avoided. Swimming or staying in water at this temperature could cause cardiac arrest, hypothermia, or temporary paralysis. Use your best judgment when venturing into rivers and ocean areas.
USE THE BUDDY SYSTEM
Remember the rule: there is safety in numbers. When swimming in open water, rivers, or even pools, make sure to have somebody nearby in case of any unpredictable incident.
CHILDREN SHOULD ALWAYS BE SUPERVISED
According to the American Red Cross, children should always be closely supervised when swimming, regardless of their swimming skills or the presence of a lifeguard. Many parents rely on floaties or swim wings to keep children safe in the water, but these are not recognized as safe personal flotation devices. These devices can teach children improper swimming techniques and posture and pose severe risks if an incident occurs.
LIFE JACKETS
These safety devices are approved personal flotation devices and are extremely important for any open-water activity, such as boating or kayaking. California does have a life jacket loaner program for weekend activities for visitors or locals who still need to get life jackets readily available. Locations can be found at Life Jacket Loaner Programs (ca.gov).
NEVER DIVE HEADFIRST
Despite the temptation to dive headfirst, it’s recommended to only do so after examining the surrounding areas first. You can never be too sure how shallow the water is or if a hard object (such as a rock) is in the way. Diving headfirst could lead to a severe head injury, paralysis, or even death.
Following these six simple rules can mitigate or prevent risks associated with swimming.
ANDREA FORESTER is a military spouse, mom of two, and Monterey local. She is going on 16 years in her career of working human capital and business operations issues.