An adult supervising you in the water should be someone who is over 18. You can drown in 2 cm of water so make sure around the house that you empty water/baths. Always make sure you are safe before you support anyone else siblings.
Life Jackets
We wear these when we are on a boat when we are swimming (sometimes), when on a Kayak, A Jetski, or paddleboard. You need to wear a life jacket all the time.
You need to check that the life jacket is the right size. They are meant to be tight because this means that they won't go up over our heads. Always do up the buckles as well as the zip. Tighten them as well so that they are nice and snug.
A life jacket might have a whistle, reflectors, and sometimes even a torch.
What to do if you fall in (with or without a lifejacket)
If you fall off you need to get into a help position. You would then join a huddle (group of people) if possible. Hold their backs or if they have life jackets on, hold the sides. If someone is feeling sick then they go into the middle this means that the huddles can keep them warm. It also means they won't just let go. When you form a line to try and direct your group of swimmers to a certain place you need your line to be in height order - This is because if you don't the smallest person at the front they might get pushed under by bigger people by accident.
River swimming safety
Test river before you jump in. This is for hidden dangers as well as to check the current/flow of the river. You can do this by getting a stick and throwing it into the river. If you can walk alongside it, it's ok. If it goes faster than you can walk then you know that it isn't safe for you to in it.
Sea
Rips
It's like a current that takes you out. If you get into a rip then you want to get on your back. Don't panic, stay calm and float on your back. This means that you can breathe and you can also put your hand up so that people can see you. When you get out you can then either swim back in or wait for help.
Big Breakers
Don't swim in the big breakers, always ask a parent before you go so that they know and can help you choose a safe place to swim.
Flags
Always swim between the flags if the beach is patrolled
Rockpools
You could slip off the rocks or slip and hurt yourself. You should have an adult with you. The rocks are really sharp so closed shoes are a good idea. Make sure you are playing where it is calm.
Playing 'Sarah Said...'
We played a game of 'Sarah Said' to practice making the help position, raising our hands, pop questions about what to do to test if rivers were safe to swim in, life jacket sizing, and swimming at the beach safely.
We all had such a great time. We can't wait to get in the water next week for our Swim Safe water sessions.
