Since May is National Water Safety Month, there is no better time to share these great tips from Megan Hartman, Director of Aquatics at the Great Wolf Lodge in Concord, NC. Whether planning a family vacation this summer to the beach, lake or taking a trip to one of the many Great Wolf Lodges, these 11 tips will help everyone to have lots of safe summer fun in the water.
With 16 resorts that stretch from coast-to-coast, Great Wolf Lodge is the largest family of indoor water park resorts in North America and a nationally recognized leader in water safety. Ellis & Associates, a renowned international organization focused on aquatic safety, has recognized Great Wolf Lodge several years running with its top award for water safety. Since opening its first resort in 1997, Great Wolf Lodge has welcomed millions of families and accumulated a wealth of tips to help keep families safe around water.
Water Safety Tips for Safe Summer Fun from Concord Director of Aquatics Megan Hartman of Great Wolf Resorts:
- Never swim alone. Always use the buddy system, and be sure the area is well-supervised by lifeguards before you or other family members enter the water.
- Encourage your child to wear a life jacket. Many public pools and water parks provide life jackets for use free of charge, and it’s better to be on the safe side if your child is not a confident swimmer.
- Never assume someone else is watching your child. Even with lifeguards nearby, you have the responsibility for your child. The best way to keep your child safe is to play right alongside them.
- Stay hydrated. Swimming and playing takes a lot of energy, especially during the hot summer months. Drink plenty of water or sports drinks and rest in a cool location.
- Forget the Bling. Before heading to the beach, pool or water park, avoid swimsuits that have ties, grommets or decorations that could get caught on something during water activities.
- Skip the flip-flops. Look for sandals with a heel strap or a full-coverage slip-on water shoe that will stay in place both in and out of the water.
- Too much sun is no fun. Be sure to limit your exposure during peak hours of 12 p.m.-3 p.m. and reapply waterproof/sweat proof sunscreen every 80 minutes.
- Take a CPR course. Knowing these skills can be important in any environment. This is a skill we all can benefit from – on land and around water.
- Read all of the signs before going on a waterslide, pool or attraction. Make sure your child meets the posted requirements. If you have questions about an attraction, ask an employee at the facility.
- Plan ahead. As a family, decide on a meeting place to go to if anyone gets separated. Kids can take off in an instant, and crowded parks and beaches can make it difficult for little ones to find you. Choose an easy-to-spot location that can be easily found by all family members.
- If you see someone struggling in the water, call for help. Remember “Reach or Throw, Don’t Go!” Even professionally trained lifeguards don’t enter the water without having the proper flotation devices to keep themselves safe.
For more information on Great Wolf Resorts and its brands of indoor water park resorts, visit Great Wolf Resorts.
Ryan Biddulph
Friday 18th of May 2018
Not swimming alone is huge. Whether you are 5 or 55, have someone else in the water. Ocean, pool, lake, whatever. Swim with someone who can keep an eye out if something goes South. Preferably though, if you are swimming in anything other than a still, shallow pond, only swim with the lifeguard present.
Ryan