Summer Safety

The summer weather can get blistfully hot! And all across Bergen County, children and adults alike are looking for ways to escape the sun. With lakes to our west, the shore to our south and plenty of swimming pools in between, there are plenty of options to cool off. But in your rush to beat the heat, don't forget to be safe. Here are a few suggestions from the Mayo Clinic and the Bergen County Sheriff's Office for keeping you and your family safe this summer

  • Learn to swim. U.S. community organizations such as the YMCA, YWCA and Red Cross have swimming classes for adults.
  • Cover up. Protect your skin from the sun. Use a sunscreen with a sun protection factor of at least 15. The sun's rays are most intense between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m., so limit the amount of time you stay outside during these hours. Be sure you wear sunglasses that block at least 90 percent of the sun's ultraviolet rays. Leaving your eyes unprotected can increase your risk of developing cataracts.
  • Buddy up. You'll be safer and have more fun if you pair up with another adult for water sports. If one of you gets into trouble, the other can help - and call for additional help, if necessary.
  • Watch for changing weather. Be prepared to get out of the water and take cover if the skies look threatening.
  • Avoid alcohol. Water sports and alcohol don't mix. In the United States, alcohol is a factor in about 25 percent to 50 percent of adolescent and adult deaths from drowning or injuries incurred in the water. Alcohol impairs judgment, balance and coordination - all essential for swimming well and avoiding hazards in the water.
  • Monitor electrical power. Faulty underwater lighting in pools and ungrounded pool vacuums and hot tubs can cause electrocution. Keep electrical appliances - TVs, radios and disc players, for example - far enough from the water that they can't possibly fall in. Never operate an electrical appliance when you're wet.
  • Avoid unsupervised areas. Whenever possible, swim in an area that has a lifeguard.
  • Check the water depth before you dive in. Severe neck injuries and paralysis can result from diving into water that's too shallow.
  • Be in shape for what you intend to do. Swimming is an excellent form of exercise, but don't attempt more than your physical condition easily allows. Cold water, currents and other conditions on the open water require more energy than does swimming in a pool. If you're not in shape, you might have a hard time making it back to shore. As with any activity that you're not doing regularly, start out slowly.
  • Summer is one of the best times of the year. Please help the Bergen County Sheriff's Office to prevent water-related tragedies and make this season a happy one. Keep safety in mind if you want to keep your head above water.