Basic rules for safe behavior on the water

With the long-awaited summer comes, hundreds of people flock to bodies of water for recreation. Water is a good friend and ally to humans, helping to maximize enjoyment of leisure and improve health.

However, at the same time, it does not tolerate carelessness and can be a source of increased danger. The consequences of careless behavior will be most severe. To avoid them, everyone must know the basic rules of water safety.

Rules of Conduct on Water:

1. Swimming is only permitted in designated bodies of water. Information about closed water bodies can be obtained from mass media (newspapers, radio, television) or directly at recreation areas from information boards. It is advisable to swim only at equipped beaches where there are all means for rescue and first aid. In unfamiliar water bodies, the bottom may pose a danger in the form of broken glass, snags, metal rods, and other debris. Do not swim in marshy areas or where there is silt and algae. It is best to choose water bodies with sandy bottoms.

2. Do not swim beyond the buoys – the chances of rescue sharply decrease if a person is far from the shore.

3. It is strictly forbidden to swim in bodies of water while intoxicated. Alcohol further dilates blood vessels, and after immersion in cold water, a sharp spasm occurs. In open water conditions, this can be life-threatening. Do not forget that an intoxicated person is unable to adequately assess the situation and may commit actions they would never commit while sober.

4. Water safety rules prohibit approaching vessels closely – when they approach, the water level rises sharply. Furthermore, there are known cases of swimmers being pulled under the hull of a motor ship.

5. Jumping into the water from boats, launches, piers, and other objects not adapted for these purposes is prohibited. This can result in a broken head.

6. It is not recommended to swim in bodies of water if the water temperature is below +15 degrees Celsius. Swimming after eating is only allowed after 1.5-2 hours. The duration of swimming should not exceed 15-20 minutes.

7. Preschool and primary school-aged children must swim strictly under adult supervision. Teenagers without adult accompaniment may only swim in designated areas.

8. Do not swim on an empty stomach. The fact is that during swimming, it is possible to swallow water, especially for young children. And preliminary consumption of a small amount of food contributes to the production of gastric juice, which has a bactericidal effect, i.e., kills some of the microbes.

9. Do not swallow water while swimming to avoid intestinal infections.

Take care of yourself and your loved ones.

State Institution "Rossonsky RTCGE", 2023