Float Trip Safety: How to Stay Safe on the Water

Some of the best summer memories are made on the water, and whether you’re floating down a river, spending a day at the lake, or relaxing by the pool, there’s no shortage of ways to cool off and have fun.  

While water activities are a great way to enjoy the warmer months, it’s important to remember that accidents can happen. Drowning can occur in seconds and is often silent. And it can happen to anyone, any time there is access to water.

Aaron Turner, manager of EMS and ambulance services at Missouri Baptist Sullivan Hospital, knows all too well the dangers of water. He and his colleagues prepare for float trip season every summer, knowing they'll see injuries and unfortunately sometimes drownings because more people are on the water.

To lessen the chance of drowning, he says it’s important to be vigilant. “Be aware of the signs posted on the local rivers of the changing water conditions—and when the signs warn of unsafe conditions to swim due to the current, obey them,” he says. “Also, avoid jumping or diving from cliffs, bridges, or other elevated areas into natural bodies of water. Water depth can change, and hidden rocks, logs, or other submerged hazards can cause a serious injury.”

Aaron also cautions against mixing alcohol with fun on the water, noting that most of the cases he and his colleagues see involve the use of alcohol while boating on the river.

You can help prevent drowning—in a home or community pool or on a lake or river—by following these tips from the Center for Disease Control (CDC):

Learn basic swimming and water safety skills

• Formal swimming lessons can reduce the risk of drowning. Children who have had swimming lessons still need close and constant supervision when in or around water.

Supervise closely

• Designate a responsible adult to supervise closely and constantly when children are in or near water.
• You can assign a specific adult to supervise each child when they have access to water.

• Adults watching kids in or near water should avoid distracting activities like reading, using the phone, and consuming alcohol or drugs, because drowning happens quickly and quietly. 

   

Wear a life jacket

• Life jackets reduce the risk of drowning while boating for people of all ages and swimming abilities.
• Life jackets should be used by children for all activities while in and around natural water. Life jackets can also be used by weaker swimmers of all ages in and around natural water and swimming pools.
• Do not rely on air-filled or foam toys, as these are not safety devices.

Learn CPR

• Your CPR skills could save someone’s life in the time it takes for paramedics to arrive.
• Many organizations such as the American Red Cross and the American Heart Association offer CPR training courses, both online and in person.

Know the risks of natural waters

• Lakes, rivers, and oceans have hidden hazards such as dangerous currents or waves, rocks or vegetation, and limited visibility.
• Always wear a life jacket in any type of natural water.
• Check the forecast before activities in, on, or near water.
• Be aware that weather conditions can change quickly and cause dangerous flash floods, strong winds, and thunderstorms with lightning strikes.
• Choose brightly colored swimsuits for children to make it easier to see them in the water.  

Avoid alcohol

• Alcohol impairs judgment, balance, and coordination.
• Avoid drinking alcohol before or during swimming, boating, or other water activities.
• Do not drink alcohol while supervising children.

Use the buddy system

• Always swim with a friend.
• The buddy system is especially beneficial for people with seizure disorders or other medical conditions that increase their risk of drowning.
• Choose swimming sites that have lifeguards when possible.

Take additional precautions for medical conditions

• Provide one-on-one supervision around water if you or a family member has a seizure disorder.
• Other medical conditions such as autism or heart conditions are also associated with a higher risk of drowning.
• Avoid swimming if you take medications that impair your balance, coordination, or judgment. These side effects increase the risk of drowning. 
• Several medications can produce these side effects, such as those used for anxiety and other mental health conditions.

Don’t hyperventilate or hold your breath for a long time

Do not let swimmers hyperventilate before swimming underwater or try to hold their breath for long periods of time. This can cause them to pass out and drown. This is sometimes called “hypoxic blackout” or “shallow water blackout.”

Learn more about water safety and drowning prevention from the CDC.