Whether you’re practicing your backstroke at the local gym, or taking the family out on the boat for a holiday weekend, it’s important to always, always follow safety guidelines in the water. We’re going to help you prepare by reviewing these 5 safety guidelines for swimming:

1. Know Your Surroundings

Don’t just “jump in.” Become familiar with your environment. Lakes and rivers are not chlorinated, therefore they carry more bacteria. If it’s rained recently, the bacteria levels are bound to be higher, so avoid swimming here after heavy rainstorms!

2. Keep Eyes on Friends & Family

It’s tragic how quietly and unnoticeably a person can slip under the water. With this in mind, routinely scan the surface to make sure your friends and family are safe. They should be doing the same for you.

3. Wear Appropriate Floatation Devices

Remember to wear a life jacket that is Coast Guard-approved. There are also life jackets available for pets if your dog is tagging along!

4. Never Swim Alone

Never, ever go swimming alone. Sometimes it can be tempting when you want to relax, or need to put in a few laps. But the risks simply aren’t worth it.

5. Go Prepared!

When you’re going out on the water, being prepared includes learning what to do in case of an emergency. You can learn how to perform CPR by attending classes from the Red Cross. Know when to call 911, and if you’re unable to, shout for someone else to do it for you.

These tips barely scratch the surface on water safety but are an excellent starting point. So next time you’re out on the water at Lake LBJ, we hope you have a fantastic time and stay safe while you do it!