10 Water Safety Tips Every South Carolina Family Should Know

May is National Water Safety Month. According to the CDC, South Carolina ranks in the top 10 states for drowning deaths in the US, a devastating glimpse into the severity of drownings in our state. South Carolina’s warm weather and abundance of pools, lakes, and oceans make water safety knowledge critical for South Carolinians and their families.

In this article, our team will discuss important safety measures to keep in mind this May and throughout the summer and beyond. If you have any questions about the information contained in this article or your legal options after a water-related accident, please don’t hesitate to reach out to our office at (803) 888-2200. We’re here to help.

General Water Safety Tips

1. Learn CPR

After a drowning incident, the top priority is restoring oxygen, per the American Heart Association. There are many ways to learn CPR in South Carolina, including through your local American Red Cross chapter, the American Heart Association, or local fire department. Other organizations also offer CPR classes in South Carolina, such as MUSC, the National Safety Council, and more.

2. Always Avoid Alcohol

Alcohol can put those drinking and their loved ones at risk. Alcohol impairs judgement, removes safety inhibitions, impacts coordination, alters reaction times, and even increases risks of hypothermia. 

Alcohol and Boating: Alcohol use is the leading known contributing factor in fatal boating incidents; where the primary cause was known, it was listed as the leading factor in 20% of deaths.

Do not mix alcohol and water activities.

3. Take Swim Lessons

Learning how to swim is the number one way to help avoid drowning. Devastatingly, more children ages 1-4 die from drowning than any other cause of death (CDC). You can find swim lessons and water safety classes near you through the American Red Cross, YMCA, and the United States Swim School Association. 

4. Assign a Water Watcher

Whether you’re at a community pool, a beach, lake, bath tub, or any other area containing water, always assign a water watcher who is responsible for keeping an eye on anyone in or around the water. Assign a watcher even when lifeguards are present. Drownings can happen in a moment and happen silently. Make sure this person has zero distractions and is not under the influence of any drugs or alcohol.

5. Never Swim Alone

A critical rule in water safety is to never swim alone. Instead, always use the buddy system. This gives you an immediate helper in the case of an emergency, and is important even if you’re an experienced swimmer.

Pool Safety Tips

6. Safeguard Pools

The more barriers for pools, spas, hot tubs, and other water, the better. Take time to:

• Install pool fences
• Use climb-resistant designs
• Ensure gates are working properly
• Make sure door alarms are engaged and working properly
• Remove toys from water areas that could attract children

7. Empty Pools

Remember, drowning can occur in as little as two inches of water. When using kiddie pools, splash pads, and other water-toys, make sure to empty them immediately after every use. Minimizing standing water can help prevent drowning accidents.

Boat Safety Tips

8. Wear a Life Jacket

In South Carolina, every boat is required to have a US Coast Guard approved PFD for every passenger on board or being towed. 

In addition to wearing a life jacket, this article outlines 8 important boat safety tips.

Ocean Safety Tips

9. Know The Signs of a Rip Currents

Riptides or rip currents are powerful currents flowing away from the shore. In addition to adhering to signs and flags signaling rough waters, you may be able to identify rip currents by looking at the water. The following are clues that there may be a rip current present:

• A narrow gap of calm water with breaking waves on either side
• Darker or discolored patches of water
• A consistent line of foam, seaweed, or small debris moving away from the shoreline

10. Know How to Manage a Riptide

If you get caught in a rip current:

• Stay calm
• Swim parallel to the shoreline, in the direction following breaking waves
• Once free, swim directly back to shore

South Carolina Personal Injury Lawyers

As South Carolina injury and wrongful death lawyers, our goal is to educate South Carolina residents and visitors to help prevent accidents from occurring in the first place. However, we see it every single day: accidents can happen to anyone at any time. And water-related accidents are no different.

If you or a loved one was involved in a swimming pool accident, boat accident, or other water-related accident, our team is here to help you understand your rights and options under South Carolina law. When negligence leads to a drowning or other injury, we’re here to fight to get you the best outcome possible for your case and future, while working to prevent similar incidents from occurring in the future.

To learn more or for a free case evaluation with a compassionate lawyer, call our office at (803) 888-2200. We’re available for you via phone 24/7.

About Cavanaugh & Thickens, LLC

Cavanaugh & Thickens, LLC is an award-winning South Carolina personal injury law firm. Our team helps accident victims and their loved ones recover physically, financially, and emotionally following serious injuries and wrongful death. Our diligent work ethic and results for clients has resulted in numerous awards and recognitions such as recognition by The Best Lawyers in America®, The National Trial Lawyers, Super Lawyers, and more.

With offices in Columbia, Mount Pleasant and Greenville, our lawyers travel to and represent clients throughout the state.

Client Focused. Results Driven.

Author: Joseph O. Thickens

Disclaimer: This article is presented for informational purposes only and is not legal advice.