This Summer, Arlington Police Highlight the Significance of Water Safety Education

Arlington, along with its neighboring towns, boasts numerous water bodies that make it an ideal destination for summer swimming. However, these waterways also pose safety risks to children, non-swimmers, and even experienced swimmers. The alarming fact is that Massachusetts has already witnessed five drownings this month. Drowning is a sudden and silent danger that can affect even the most skilled swimmers. Fortunately, drowning is preventable, and it is our responsibility to prioritize water safety education to ensure everyone's well-being this summer.

An effective method to equip yourself for emergency situations is by acquiring CPR skills.

The Injury and Prevention Control Program of Massachusetts offers additional water safety tips, information on drowning, where to learn how to swim, responsible pool ownership, boating safety and more. To view these safety tips, visit https://www.mass.gov/water-safety.

With five drownings already occurring in Massachusetts this month, it is crucial to take necessary precautions for a safe summer. Arlington, along with neighboring towns, boasts numerous bodies of water, making water safety measures even more important.

Parents, consider these five questions to inquire before allowing your child to go on a playdate at a neighbor's or friend's house:

1) Does your home or a neighbor’s home have a pool or spa?

2) Do the children plan to be in or around the water?

3) Will there be adults supervising the children if they are in or around the water?

4) Do the supervising adults know CPR?

5) Which barriers exist to prevent children from gaining access to the pool or spa unattended?

Water safety tips for everyone:

• Make sure you know how to swim. If you can’t swim, keep to shallow areas or use a U.S. Coast Guard-guard approved life jacket. For a list of places offering swim lessons, view the mass.gov Learn to Swim! resources.
• Swim with a buddy, never alone, even if you are a very good swimmer
• Swim in designated areas, with a lifeguard present
• Swim sober: avoid drugs and alcohol to stay alert in the water
• Do not dive or jump into water that is not at least 12 feet deep. Enter the water feet-first, never dive head-first into a river, lake or pond. You could severely injure your head and neck, and drown.
• Do not swim during a storm or when there is lightning
• Don’t swim in an area with strong moving currents in the water. Depth, currents, underwater debris and water temperature change constantly in rivers, lakes, and ponds. Yesterday’s safe swimming spot might have hidden dangers today.
• Keep a cell-phone handy and know where you are in case you need to call for help
• When in a boat, wear a US Coast Guard approved life jacket

The Arlington Police Department encourages parents to have conversations with their children, including teenagers, regarding water safety. Our aim is for everyone to have a pleasant and safe summer this year.