By Jacqueline Ferrell
Enid Lake
Water Safety

Summer time water activities such as boating and swimming are always filled with fun and excitement, but they can also be filled with many hazards.  

Before planning your next boating or swimming trip, take time with your family to discuss some water safety tips.

Some lifesaving tips for parents include making children wear a life jacket when riding in a boat or on a raft, when skiing or tubing and even when fishing or playing near water.  Children should be constantly supervised when in or near water, even if they are wearing a life jacket.

Swimming lessons promote water safety, but they do not replace adult supervision. Teach your children to wait for permission before getting into the water and not to run or push on pool decks, docks or boats.  

Show your children safe areas for swimming.  Use and enforce water safety rules, children learn from the actions of adults. Never use inflatable water toys, like beach balls or water wings as life jackets or life preservers.  

Learn infant / child cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR).  

When visiting a new area, or body of water, know where the nearest phone is to call 911 for help. Remember drowning can occur in less than a minute, without noise, and often happens even when an adult is nearby.

A personal flotation device (PFD), or life jacket, can keep your child afloat.

The staff at Enid Lake would also like to remind everyone to be extra careful and pay close attention to the summer time heat. When participating in outdoor activities be sure and take frequent breaks and drink plenty of fluids.

For more information on water safety, please contact the Enid Lake Field Office at 662-563-4571.