 In the News -
June 2009
Summer Safety - Swimming
(2 minutes: 35 seconds)
WMV (high speed video)
(2 minutes: 35 seconds)
WMV (dial-up
video)
(2 minutes: 35 seconds)
MP4 (IPhone
video)
(2 minutes: 35 seconds)
 WMA (audio
only)
Audio/Video Script:
Shannon Caldwell
4H Camping Coordinator
[Title slide - Summer Safety Swimming; Shannon Caldwell, 4-H Camping
Coordinator; U of A University of Arkansas Division of Agriculture; Drawing of
the sun a child dressed for swimming.]
[Shannon] Swimming and water recreation can be a great family outing. Ninety
percent of families with young children will be in the water sometime this year.
Of those 90%, half will swim in an area with no lifeguard.
[Slide - Summer Safety Swimming; Drawing of the sun a child dressed for
swimming; T-H-I-N-K] When planning your family water outing, remember to THINK,
T-H-I-N-K.
[Swimmer] "Man it's getting too cold."
[Slide - Summer Safety Swimming; Drawing of the sun; showing list of
dangerous too's] Too tired, too cold, too far from safety, and too much sun.
These are the dangerous "Too's." Any of these can lead to serious safety
concerns. So remember to take rest breaks, don't swim in water that's too cold,
stay close to safety such as a lifeguard or the shore, and remember to apply
sunscreen and drink plenty of water. [Slide - Summer Safety Swimming; Drawing of
the sun; showing list of dangerous too's crossing out too tired, too cold, too
far from safety and too much sun]
[Swimmer] "Culverts and ditches can be dangerous."
[Pictures showing a creek and a ditch] Lots of rain can bring some enticing
fast running water in areas where there may normally be little to no running
water. Although it may seem like fun to play in these water areas, these can be
some of the most hazardous places to be. [Slide - Summer Safety Swimming;
Drawing of the sun; Hazards] So teach your children to stay away from these
hazards such as ditches, culverts, creeks, and ponds that are in your
neighborhood or community.
[Swimmer] "This noodle is for fun, not for safety."
[Slide - Summer Safety Swimming; Drawing of the sun; Inexperienced Swimmer]
Floaties, noodles, and other water toys are for fun, not for safety. [Shannon
holds up a floaty] If you have an inexperienced swimmer in your family, make
sure they wear a Coast Guard approved life jacket that is appropriate for their
size. [Shannon holds up a life jacket] It's important that the swimmer puts on
the life jacket before entering the water. [Picture of a child wearing a life
jacket before entering the water] And stay within an arm's reach in case they
need help. [Picture of a child wearing a life jacket before entering the water
and a picture of mother and child swimming with a floaty]
[Lifeguard] I am here to help, not to babysit."
[Slide - Summer Safety Swimming; Drawing of the sun; No substitute for adult
supervision] There's no substitute for diligent adult supervision of your child.
[Video of children swimming in a pool] We recommend you swim in areas that have
a lifeguard on duty. But, remember, the lifeguard's job is to prevent and
respond to water emergencies.
[Shannon] It's your job to make sure an adult is supervising your
child.
[Swimmer] "I know this lake is too shallow for diving."
[Slide - Summer Safety Swimming; Drawing of the sun; Know the area] Natural
bodies of water, such as lakes, rivers, and oceans can contain unexpected
hazards like rocks, stumps, rocks, shallow areas, sudden drop offs or strong
currents. [Picture of a body of water with stumps] If you don't know the area,
don't go swimming. [Picture of a partially submerged no swimming sign] You
should also make a point to be familiar with the depth of the pool you're
swimming in. Depths should be marked on the side of the pool. [Picture and video
showing depth markers on a swimming pool, 5 feet, 3 ½ feet, and 4 feet]
[Picture of a family, mother, father, and two children running down a beach]
Swimming and water recreation can be fun times where families make many
memories. [Picture of a mother and two children in dressed ready to go swimming]
Help your family have a better time in the water by remembering to THINK
before your outing. [Slide - Summer Safety Swimming; Drawing of the sun a child
dressed for swimming; THINK]
[Shannon] Have a safe summer!
[Narrator] To learn more: contact your county extension agent or follow
the links in this section.
Related Links
Back to News
|
