Swimming Safety Checklist
Table of Contents
Essential Items
Beach bag
Towels
Sunglasses
Bathing Suits
Can be packed in a bag or worn under clothes or suit cover-ups for easy changing.
Flip-flop sandals and/or water shoes
Visors, sunhats or baseball caps for added sun protection
Bathing suit cover ups
Large t-shirts or wraps will cover exposed skin.
Change of clothes
Include dry under-garments.
Flotation devices for young children or new swimmers.
These should meet all federal safety requirements
Goggles, nose and ear plugs
Swim cap (for pool swimming)
Large sun umbrella (for the beach)
Waterproof Sunscreen
Should be at least SPF 15; at least SPF 30 for children and infants.
Chap-stick ;or lip balm with SPF.
Bottled Water.
Fruit or other snacks with a high water content
Any large flotation devices like rafts or recliners
Blow these up beforehand.
Plastic bags for wet belongings
First Aid basics.
Bandages and antiseptic wipes are quick fixes for minor injuries
After Swimming
Change into dry clothing as soon as possible
Wet bathing suits can cause rash and discomfort, and may increase risk of sickness and infection.
Rinse off in a quick shower
Rinse off seawater or chlorinated pool water before changing.
Ring out excess water from wet suits
Place in a ;separate ;plastic bag.
Comb out long hair gently, to avoid a tangled mess later.
If at the beach, move away from others before shaking out excess sand
Shake out towels, empty shoes and bags at a safe distance.
Put Aloe Vera on any sunburned areas
Swimming Safety
Learn How to Swim
If you haven't done so already, sign up for lessons. Start instructing children as early as possible.
Pay attention to signs
All public pools and beaches have signs with important safety rules or designated swimming areas. Make sure you read these before you enter the water.
All children should be closely supervised while in or around the pool, lake, or ocean.
Test water temperature first
Cold water can be a shock to your system, and may make it harder to swim.
Swim in designated safe areas under lifegaurd supervision
;No one can predict hidden dangers, like sudden storms or rip currents. The same goes for poolside swimming - be prepared for the unexpected.
Never dive in shallow areas.
Wait at least an hour after eating before going for a swim
Swimming on a full stomach can cause cramps.
Buddy Up
Always swim with a partner. ;Even experienced swimmers are ;susceptible ;to muscle cramps or exhaustion, which might make it difficult to reach safety. Doubling up or swimming in groups makes it easier to get help.
Know your limits
If you're not a strong swimmer, or are feeling tired, stay close to the shallow area and use a flotation device.
Know the difference between pool and lake/ocean swimming
Swimming in a lake or ocean requires more effort, due to water currents.
Get Safety Instruction
Learn basic CPR skills. These invaluable life-saving techniques can be especially helpful if you are at a pool party or private home where no lifeguard is available.
Don't chew gum or eat while swimming.
Hydrate and rest frequently
Take breaks and drink plenty of water.
Reapply sunscreen every two hours
At the Pool
No running around the pool
The sign is there for a reason...surfaces are slippery and dangerous
Check pool rules
Some pools forbid diving, while other's insist on swimming caps for swimmer's with long hair. Know the rules before you go.
Use the ladder to enter and exit the pool.
If Jumping, jump feet first.
Be mindful of others
Swim courteously, especially if you are swimming laps or are nearby others who are.
Never dive in the shallow end.
Don't swing on ropes dividing the lanes.
At the Beach
Stay close to the shore.
If you find yourself in a current, don't panic
Swim parallel to the shore ;until you are free of the current, while gradually making your way back to shore. If you're unable to swim away from the current, stay calm and float with it until the current slows down. Then swim to shore.
Be careful of the sea floor
Avoid all coral reefs. Wear water shoes in rocky regions, or search for sandy-bottom areas.
Wear shoes whenever possible
Not only can sand can get hot enough to burn, it can hide hidden dangers like sharp rocks or broken glass. Tread carefully!
If at the ocean, be on the lookout for jellyfish
Even small ones sting if you accidentally touch them.
Keep your belongings in plain sight on your towel or mat.
Don't let your things get swallowed up by sand!
Download or Print this Swimming Safety Checklist
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Presented by:
Lauren Meir
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Details
Who it's for
This Swimming Safety Checklist is for anyone who wants a simple, practical way to get things done without missing steps.
- Avoid forgetting - keep all your Swimming Safety essentials in one place (external memory)
- Save time - start from a proven Swimming Safety structure instead of a blank page
- Stay on track - track progress, come back later, and keep momentum
- Coordinate with others - share the list and divide responsibilities
- Learn the process - follow the steps in a sensible order, even if it's your first time
How to use it
How to use this Swimming Safety Checklist
- Save Swimming Safety Checklist to your free Checklist account so your progress is saved and synced across devices.
- Customize it in the app: remove anything that does not apply, then add your own details for Swimming Safety (dates, sizes, addresses, notes).
- If others are involved, invite them to collaborate and divide responsibilities.
- Work through the list: check items off as you go, and set reminders for time-sensitive steps.