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Any time that you spend near the water requires you to use some caution. So here are some tips for you to consider when you are out at the beach, sitting by the pool or cruising on a boat.

First of all, learn how to swim! The best way to feel safe and confident around the water is to know that you know what to do in the water. The Red Cross provides swimming lessons all across the nation for you to check out. Besides, swimming is some of the best exercise around– it’s a great skill to learn. Once you’ve learned how to swim, remember to always have somebody around while you’re in the water. Even the best swimmers can suffer cramps or be taken by a wave when they least expect it. Also, swim only in areas that have postings telling you that it is safe to do so. Be certain that you are not too cold, too hot, or too tired. Pushing yourself beyond your limits is never a good idea, right?

Okay, so answer this… If you see lightening while you are outside swimming, what should you do? It’s simple. Get out of the water, pronto! Water conducts electricity, and lightening can electrocute an unwary swimmer. Anytime the weather seems sketchy, don’t risk going for a swim, because waves can swell, and rain can effect your ability to see the shore or edge of the pool.

Sun and swimming usually go hand in hand. Therefore, it’s important to make sure you take caution in the sun because it can really sneak up on you. For one thing, anybody who’s ever had a sunburn knows that it’s a serious bummer. What to do? Use sun screen! Not only will sunscreen prevent you from the ow-ow-ow of a sunburn, but it can keep your skin from becoming really damaged as you get older.

So most people know about the importance of wearing sunscreen. However, some people are not aware that sweating in the sun causes the body to rapidly lose water. If you lose a lot of water, or become dehydrated, your body cannot cool itself as effectively. Consequently, heat stroke can result. How do you spot heat stroke before it happens? Well, since the person suffering from heat stroke has lost the ability to maintain the proper body temperature, the skin gets very hot and red. Breathing may become rapid and shallow, the person may become weak, and he or she may feel woozy. If you recognize these symptoms, call for help right away. Get that person out of the direct sun, wrap wet towels around him or her, and begin fanning so that the body cools. Clearly, the effects of heat stroke can ruin a day by the water, so make sure to drink enough water and get out of the sun if you are over-heated.

Okay, one more thing to remember when you are going for a swim — never dive into water that you are not familiar with. The water may be shallower than you expected, or there might be a rock or barrel lurking under opaque water. Diving into uncertain territory is a very dangerous thing to do– so don’t do it!

Finally, once you’ve taken all of the safety precautions that you can think of, make sure that you enjoy yourself! There is nothing as soothing as gliding through the water as gracefully as a dolphin. Surf’s up!