The Red Cross is brimming with water safety tips to keep your family safe this summer. The most basic: Learn to swim! Take some lessons at your local pool. The best thing anyone can do to stay safe in and around the water is to learn to swim. And always swim with a buddy; never swim alone.

The American Red Cross has swimming courses for people of any age and swimming ability. To enroll in a swim course, contact your local Red Cross chapter.

Swim in supervised areas only.

Obey all rules and posted signs.

Don't mix alcohol and swimming. Alcohol impairs your judgement, balance, and coordination, affects your swimming and diving skills, and reduces your body's ability to stay warm.

Pay attention to local weather conditions and forecasts. Stop swimming at the first indication of bad weather.

 

Whether you're the captain of a schooner or a passenger on a skiboat, following safety guidelines ensures your safety and that of other seafarers.

Be weather wise:
Sudden wind shifts, lightning flashes and choppy water all can mean a storm is brewing. Bring a portable radio to check weather reports.

Bring extra gear you may need:
A flashlight, extra batteries, matches, a map of where you are, flares, sun tan lotion, first aid kit, extra sunglasses. Put those that need to be protected in a watertight pouch or a container that floats.


Tell someone where you're going, who is with you, and how long you'll be away.


Then check your boat, equipment, boat balance, engine and fuel supply before leaving.

 Summer means fun in the sun! But be safe — don't let a heat-related illness ruin your day.
Always drink plenty of water and take frequent breaks when working or playing in the hot weather.

 Many families will head to our national parks and forests this summer to enjoy the great outdoors. But if you're not prepared to rough it in the woods, hiking or camping can be a rough experience. The best way to help guarantee a good time for all is to plan ahead carefully and follow commonsense safety precautions.

Hiking and camping provide exercise and interest for people of any age. Just getting out and walking around is a wonderful way to see nature. Since unexpected things happen, however, the best way to help guarantee a good time for all is to plan ahead carefully and follow commonsense safety precautions.



If you have any medical conditions, discuss your plans with your health care provider and get approval before departing.

Review the equipment, supplies and skills that you'll need. Consider what emergencies could arise and how you would deal with those situations. What if you got lost, or were unexpectedly confronted by an animal? What if someone became ill or injured? What kind of weather might you encounter? Add to your hiking checklist the supplies you would need to deal with these situations.

Make sure you have the skills you need for your camping or hiking adventure. You may need to know how to read a compass, erect a temporary shelter or give first aid. Practice your skills in advance.

If your trip will be strenuous, get into good physical condition before setting out. If you plan to climb or travel to high altitudes, make plans for proper acclimatization to the altitude.

It's safest to hike or camp with at least one companion. If you'll be entering a remote area, your group should have a minimum of four people; this way, if one is hurt, another can stay with the victim while two go for help. If you'll be going into an area that is unfamiliar to you, take along someone who knows the area or at least speak with those who do before you set out.

Some areas require you to have reservations or certain permits. If an area is closed, do not go there. Find out in advance about any regulations--there may be rules about campfires or guidelines about wildlife.

Pack emergency signaling devices, and know ahead of time the location of the nearest telephone or ranger station in case an emergency does occur on your trip.

Leave a copy of your itinerary with a responsible person. Include such details as the make, year, and license plate of your car, the equipment you're bringing, the weather you've anticipated and when you plan to return.

Get trained in American Red Cross first aid before starting out. Contact your local American Red Cross chapter for a Community First Aid and Safety course.

What to Bring: A Hiking Checklist

What you take will depend on where you are going and how long you plan to be away, but any backpack should include the following:

Candle and matches

Cell phone

Clothing (always bring something warm, extra socks and rain gear)

Compass

First aid kit

Food (bring extra)

Flashlight

Foil (to use as a cup or signaling device)

Hat

Insect repellent

Map

Nylon filament

Pocket knife

Pocket mirror (to use as a signaling device)

Prescription glasses (an extra pair)

Prescription medications for ongoing medical conditions

Radio with batteries

Space blanket or a piece of plastic (to use for warmth or shelter)

Sunglasses

Sunscreen

Trash bag (makes an adequate poncho)

Water

Waterproof matches or matches in a waterproof tin

Water purification tablets

Whistle (to scare off animals or to use as a signaling device)

Always allow for bad weather and for the possibility that you may be forced to spend a night outdoors unexpectedly.

It's a good idea to assemble a separate "survival pack" for each hiker to have at all times. In a small waterproof container, place a pocket knife, compass, whistle, space blanket, nylon filament, water purification tablets, matches and candle. With these items, the chances of being able to survive in the wild are greatly improved.