| As
the summer sun starts to warm up in many parts of the country, our
thoughts often turn toward outdoor activities. The month of June
always sees a multitude of Elementary Field Days. While there are
many tried and tested favorites, PE Central also provides some ideas
for schools. Check out Field
Day Ideas from PE Central!
Another popular activity as school winds
down is taking students to outdoor education style locations to
canoe, swim, or play on the beach. The need for safety at such locations
is imperative, and many school districts have policies in place.
Water
Safety Tips from the American Red Cross would help a teacher
ensure that their activities are safe, and might also prove to be
useful to parents so that they can ensure that their summer is fun-filled
and safe!
General
Water Safety Tips From the American Red Cross
Learn to swim. The best thing anyone can do to stay safe in and
around the water is to learn to swim. Always swim with a buddy;
never swim alone. The American Red Cross has swimming courses for
people of any age and swimming ability. To enroll in a swim course,
contact your local Red Cross chapter.
Swim in areas supervised by a lifeguard. Read and obey all rules
and posted signs.
Children, or inexperienced swimmers, should take precautions, such
as wearing a U.S. Coast Guard-approved personal floatation device
(PFD) when around the water.
Watch out for the dangerous 'toos' - too tired, too cold, too far
from safety, too much sun, too much strenuous activity.
Set water safety rules for the whole family based on swimming abilities
(for example, inexperienced swimmers should stay in water less than
chest deep).
Be knowledgeable of the water environment you are in and its potential
hazards, such as deep and shallow areas, currents, depth charges,
obstructions and where the entry and exit points are located. The
more informed you are, the more aware you will be of hazards and
safe practices.
Pay attention to local weather conditions and forecasts. Stop swimming
at the first indication of bad weather.
Use a feet-first entry when entering the water. Enter headfirst
only when the area is clearly marked for diving and has no obstructions.
Do not mix alcohol with swimming, diving, or boating. Alcohol impairs
your judgment, balance, and coordination, affects your swimming
and diving skills, and reduces your body's ability to stay warm.
Known how to prevent, recognize, and respond to emergencies.
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