On neap tides, high tides are lower and low tides are higher than they are on a spring, meaning less water moving. Occurring every two weeks. There’s a serious lifeguard shortage in the United States right now, and drownings are becoming more common. But water safety experts say there’s plenty you can do to minimize the risks involved in going for a swim. Make sure you have the right equipment for your activity, for example a bright hat and tow float for outdoor swimming or buoyancy aids and the correct leash when paddleboarding, a whistle and mobile phone in a water proof pouch also help.

Before the pandemic, about 4,000 people died by drowning in the United States each year, and another 8,000 people were treated in emergency rooms for drowning injuries, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Children — particularly kids younger than 5 — consistently have the highest drowning rate. You even burn more calories swimming in the sea because the heart has to pump faster in cold water and the body has to work harder to keep everything warm - so it’s always a bonus to have a cup of tea and piece of cake afterwards!" It is important to teach learners how to stay safe whilst swimming at a swimming pool and when swimming outdoors. The Learn to Swim Team have created posters that can help educate learners on how to stay safe in, on and around the water, as well as, the Awards learners in the Swim England Learn to Swim Programme to achieve. Usually found on gentle sloping or flat beaches. They happen when the crest (top) of the wave tumbles down the face (front) of the wave. These waves are good for swimmers. Plunging or dumping waves

Saf-T-Swim?

cleaning your hands thoroughly with soap and water ensuring that all wet sand is removed from hands before eating or handling food Water watchers can take turns, but when they’re on duty this is supposed to be their only focus. “Although it may seem extreme for adults, the water watcher concept is still the best plan,” Ramos adds. 9. Use the Buddy System to Stay Safe in the Water Open water swimming refers to swimming in lakes, rivers and the sea, rather than at a swimming pool. Without the confines of ropes and lanes it can be an invigorating experience. However, swimming in open water carries different risks to swimming in a pool. Waves are formed by the wind. The size of the wave depends on how long and how hard the wind blows. Waves break as they move into shallower waters closer to the shoreline. How waves break on the shoreline depend on the shape and slope of the ground below it. The three types of waves Spilling waves

If you want to swim in the ocean, you’re probably asking yourself: What kit do I need for sea swimming? Is there anybody else using the beach? Are there any boat users or creel (fisherman’s) pots in the water? Are the boats motorized or sailing craft? Is there anybody else using the beach? Are there any boat users or creel pots in the water? Are the boats motorised or with sails? Look around to see what lifesaving equipment is available to use, such as a ring buoy or reaching pole, Ramos recommends.

Signs at most public pools and beaches will point you to designated swimming areas and warn you about specific dangers, whether it’s a pool too shallow for diving or an ocean beach with strong currents or riptides, says Ramos. Up to date bathing water quality information is available online during the bathing season between May and September. Other considerations to help you choose where to go include: Wiseman said: "Try and choose a beach that has a lifeguard. If you’re new to the area, speak to the lifeguards, let them know your plans and follow their advice. Look at where other people are swimming. Don’t be afraid to talk to locals, find out if there is a local swimming group, either organised or informal, and where possible, swim with others. When swimming outdoors you must always stay together. With younger children keep them within arms reach when in on or around the water.

Water wings and pool noodles are toys — not drowning prevention devices,” Smith says. Especially in the ocean, the wind and current can carry kids offshore or lure kids into deeper water to chase a toy that got away from them. “Floatable toys should be used by those who are capable to be in areas of the water safely without them,” Ramos adds. 6. Follow Any Posted Water Safety Rules Many coastal waters and a few inland lakes known to be popular swimming locations are designated as bathing waters. Bathing waters are monitored and protected from sources of pollution known to be a risk to bathers’ health. The Environment Agency monitors over 400 designated bathing waters in England between May and September, and each is given an annual classification of Excellent, Good, Sufficient or Poor. As well as the annual classification, the Environment Agency makes daily pollution risk forecasts for a number of bathing waters where water quality may be temporarily reduced due to factors such as heavy rainfall. Bathers may be at a higher risk of becoming ill when using a bathing water at this time. The good news is there’s a lot you can do to help prevent drownings even when there’s no lifeguard on duty. Here are some tips. 1. Before Heading to the Beach or a Public Pool, Do Your ResearchHof told Live Science: "The number one killer in the West is cardiovascular-related disease. It is because we are alienated from our vascular system - it is not being activated, not being stimulated. There are a number of things you can do to reduce the risk of illness when swimming in open waters. Choose where and when to swim

The Water Safety Code provides essential and easy-to-remember information to help people plan for their activity and understand what they should do in an emergency. 1. Stop and think – Always Swim in a Safe Place On spring tides, high tides are higher and low tides are lower. In other words, spring tides are the biggest difference in water heights and have stronger currents. They occur every two weeks. Neap tide (first and third quarter moon)

THE SAF-T-SWIM DIFFERENCE

The number one way to stop people from drowning is to swim with supervision — with a lifeguard and never alone — and to learn to swim at an early age,” Fisher says. Often one of the biggest insecurities when attempting swimming for the first time can be what you look like, but there really is no reason for it. Chances are, all those people you think are looking at you are more concerned about themselves.