Water Safety

Every year, approximately 6,000 people lose their lives in a drowning accident.

Swimming and playing in water provide the perfect way to stay cool in the hot summer months, and it can be a great source of exercise. Many people don’t give a second thought to water safety while enjoying a day at the pool, lake, river or beach.

Drowning is the second leading cause of accidental death for people between the ages of 5 and 24. Drowning most often happens in swimming pools, spas and bathtubs in one's own home or the home of a relative.

General Water Safety Video

Water Safety Tips

Open Water & Boat Safety

Check out this video on proper life jacket fit.

If your child is in need of a life jacket, we can provide you with one free of charge (while supplies last). Call us at 417-269-0920 to schedule your free life jacket fitting today.

Here are some great tips on safety in open water:

• Always wear a life jacket when near open water.
• Never leave a child unattended around water, not even for a second.
• Always swim with a buddy. Even the most experienced swimmer can become tired or get muscle cramps.
• Never dive into unknown bodies of water to avoid hitting your head on a shallow bottom. Even jumping feet first from extreme heights can cause serious injuries.
• Life jackets are much safer than arm floaties.
• Learn CPR and basic water rescue skills.

Pool Safety

Here are some great tips on safety in and around pools:

• Never leave a child unattended around water, not even for a second.
• Never swim unless a life guard or responsible adult is watching.
• Get swimming lessons for adults and children.
• Always swim with a buddy. Even the most experienced swimmer can become tired or get muscle cramps.
• Follow pool rules.
• Never jump in to save a friend in water, first throw them something that floats (Throw-Never-Go)
• Stay out of the deep end if you’re not a strong swimmer.
• Life jackets are much safer than arm floaties.

Home & Infant Water Safety

Here are some great tips on preventing drowning in the home:

• Never leave a child unattended around water, not even for a second.
• Always make sure you have everything you need before bath time.
• Close doors to bathrooms and laundry rooms when not in use.
• Install fences around pools or large water containers.
• Overturn buckets and tubs outside so they will not fill up with rain water.