Water Safety Reminders

Water safety experts offer tips to stay safe this summer  

With searing summer temperatures now in full swing, families are undoubtedly heading for the local pools or other water spots to cool off. Spending a few hours or the entire day at a nearby public swimming pool, area lake or local water park is a great way to enjoy the day, pass the time and even participate in physical activity. As families and kids start heading for the water, it's important to review some general water safety guidelines to prevent incidents or injuries.

"Being in the water is definitely a great way to enjoy your summer vacation," said Josh Henderson, Six Flags White Water Aquatics and Safety Manager. "But when it comes to the sun and the water, being prepared and informed is key."

Henderson recommends that families review the following water safety tips to prepare for trips to pools, lakes, beaches and water attractions:

• Young children and inexperienced swimmers should always be within arm's reach of an attentive parent or guardian. They should ALWAYS wear a U.S. Coast Guard approved lifejacket. Remember, inflatable vests and water wings are toys - not lifesaving devices and should not be relied upon. Even experienced swimmers should never swim alone.
• Be knowledgeable of the water environment you are in and its potential hazards, such as deep and shallow areas, currents and sudden depth changes.
• Swim in areas supervised by a lifeguard. Always read and obey all rules and posted signs.
• Pay attention to local weather conditions and forecasts. Stop swimming at the first indication of bad weather. According to the National Weather Service, "almost all lightning will occur within 10 miles of its parent thunderstorm, but it can strike much farther than that."
• Use a feet-first entry when entering the water. Enter headfirst only when the area is clearly marked for diving. Never dive headfirst into natural bodies of water, such as lakes, streams or rivers.
• Protect your skin: Wear the necessary SPF sunscreen to keep skin from burning, typically a minimum of SPF 15. Contrary to popular belief, re-applying sunscreen does not "reset" skin protection. Once the Sun Protection Factor (SPF) is used up the skin will begin to burn.  At that point, it's time to seek shade.
• Stay hydrated! Drink plenty of water, even if you're not thirsty. Avoid soft drinks and alcohol as they do not properly hydrate and can actually remove water from the body.

Henderson is an 18–year veteran on water safety issues and the current Manager of Operations at Six Flags White Water, where he oversees aquatics (water safety), first aid, security and park services. He was an American Red Cross lifeguard for seven years and was also trained as an Ellis & Associates lifeguard in 1997. Over the next few years, he went on to win four platinum awards and one gold award from Ellis & Associates (the industry leader in water safety) for excellence in aquatics operations management.

Six Flags White Water was voted one of the nation's top 10 water parks by industry leader, Aquatics International, for the 07–08 year. The park is open daily through Aug. 10 and open weekends from Aug. 16 – Sept. 14. For additional information, including hours, pricing, events and to purchase tickets online, visit www.sixflags.com/whitewater.