Young or old, a lot of us can probably use a break after this past year. While COVID-19 is still a threat, certain areas of the country are beginning to reopen. With spring finally upon us, this is a welcome change for many. From drowning prevention to general security, let’s explore some general spring break safety tips.
COVID and Swimming
First things first, we can’t talk about safety without mentioning the ongoing pandemic. To this end, no modern spring break safety tips would be complete without a reminder to follow advised social distancing guidelines. It pays to take care of yourself and be considerate of others.
Fortunately, the Center’s for Disease Control and Prevention reports that there is little chance of transmitting COVID-19 through the water. That’s great news for swimmers on vacation and at home.
Additionally, if you’re traveling to faraway destinations, make sure you are up-to-date on your vaccinations. Consult the CDC’s travel and health site to learn more information.
General Spring Break Safety Tips
Don’t Drink and Swim
Drinking and swimming do not mix. Believe it or not, the American Safety Council reports that 70% of deaths from recreational water activities involve alcohol. The Consumer Product Safety Commission warns against drinking in the water as well. It’s quite easy to become drowsy while drinking, which can cause a person to fall asleep and slip under the water.
Buddy Up
One of the best spring break safety tips is to avoid traveling or swimming alone. With a friend around, you’ll be better able to observe your surroundings. In the water, it’s good to have someone else watching your back. On the whole, it is always better to swim and travel with a buddy. To learn more, read our full article about the buddy system and swimming.
Don’t Forget Your Sunblock
The sun is out, which is great for escaping the chills of winter. Of course, that does lead to the possibility of a nasty sunburn or worse. It is important to sunbathe responsibly. The CDC reports that ultraviolet (UV) rays from the sun can cause skin damage in as little as 15 minutes. Remember that this is the case even if you aren’t sunbathing. Being exposed to the sun in any way can cause a burn, even if you are swimming.
The solution? Suntan lotion and frequent breaks! Don’t forget to reapply during the day and try not to miss any part of your body. It may not be dangerous, but an uneven tan can happen quickly! Stay vigilant!
You can learn more in our blog about sunscreen safety.
Be Prepared
When traveling outside the country, always carry a copy of your passport on your person. This is good for spring break safety, but also for any trip. In case something happens, you may quickly need identification. On a clearly marked card, write the address of your hotel and store it in your wallet.
Additionally, plan out your journey in advance. It may also be advantageous to know the location of the nearby hospital and embassy. Just in case, it pays to be prepared.
Become CPR Certified
Finally, before heading off for adventure, learning CPR can be an excellent survival skill. CPR classes are very likely available in your local town. To find a class, you can visit The American Red Cross’s dedicated site. These classes take just a few hours and can make all of the difference to someone in need.
Learn more about the importance of CPR here.
