I used to patrol pool decks before I began writing about travel. When I was 15, I got my first lifeguarding certificate. I loved the job. You can also see our other articles. I enjoyed it so much, that I quickly became a CPR instructor and, later, a manager of a waterpark. I spent seven years teaching CPR, and responding to emergency situations. first aid emergencies. I was often tasked to ensure the safety hundreds, and sometimes thousands of people. It was this experience that made me the safe traveler I am today. I still use the skills I learned as a lifeguard.
Want to know the safety tips that this former lifeguard holds in her sleeve for you? Continue reading to learn about the six items I recommend in order to stay safe around the pool, the beach, or on the lake. Water safety items that I always stock up every summer include polarized sunglasses, SPF 50+ products. water shoes. You’ll also find life-saving safety gear—including life jackets, wound-clotting powder. neon swimsuits—that I think deserve a permanent spot in your beach bag, based on my experiences in the field.
Coast Guard Approved Life Vests and Jackets
One of the biggest mistakes I see families make—whether at the pool, beach, or lake—is the improper use of inflatables. They may be cute in family photos, yet they’re not reliable for keeping non-swimmers afloat. Inflating these floats to the right limit is difficult because they pop easily. You may not be able to tell whether they are leaking or if the valve has been pushed down far enough to stop any air release. Because of their potential danger, my waterpark completely banned the use outside inflatables.
I strongly recommend that non-swimmers and weak swimmers—regardless of age—only use U.S. Coast Guard (USCG)-approved devices. USCG-approved life vests are not floaties. They are made from durable, buoyant, foam. Most have adjustable straps which allow the vest to fit more snugly around the middle, preventing the wearer slipping out. Amazon has a wide range of choices, including infant life jackets The following are some of the ways to get in touch with us: toddler puddle jumpers The following are some of the ways to get in touch with us: plus-sized adult life vestsAll are suitable for a variety of activities.
Bright-colored Swimsuits
Water safety begins on the land. The right color swimsuit is important, as well as reading the pool rules and wearing appropriate life jackets. If you or a loved one is in need of rescue at a pool, lake or beach, your swimsuit color can help first responders find you.
The colors white, pale, blue, green, and gray can make it difficult to identify a swimsuit in the pool. However, darker colors such as navy or black can be harder to detect when swimming in open water. This summer, choose a swimsuit that is bright and colorful. bright colors You can also find out more about the following: bold prints Think: Neon orange, red, yellow and green. Think neon orange, yellow, red, green, purple, pink and more. Amazon has an amazing selection of colorful bikinis. one-piece swimsuitsSwim trunks and a new style of swimwear You can also find out more about the following: water-safe.
Grippy Shoes
While working as a manager at a waterpark, some of the worst injuries I witnessed were patrons falling and slipping by running across tiles too quickly or climbing up a slippery feature in a pool. I am a former beach lifeguard and enjoy spending time at the lakeside or on the beach. I have seen many injuries to the feet that are caused by the outdoors: Foot scrapes and blisters caused by coral.
This summer I suggest you dip your toes in the world (pun intended) of water shoesIf you haven’t done so already, I recommend that you do. I own these Affinest water shoes Amazon has a pair of sandals with an adjustable bungee and treaded, thick outsoles. These have kept my toes safe while I was river rafting and kayaking. If you’d rather keep your toes bare, I recommend investing a pair in active, non-slip sandals. Teva Hurricane Xlt2 sandalsYou can wear it in and outside the water.
SPF and Burn Care Products
Sunscreen is the best way to avoid the first summer sunburn. plenty of SPF Throughout the day. Use sunscreens that are water-resistant, and have an antioxidant. SPF rating of at least 30I encourage my lifeguards to check the most commonly forgotten areas before getting on the stand, including their feet, ears and shoulders. As a lifeguard manager at a waterpark I always encouraged my lifeguards, before they stepped on the stand to check the areas that are often forgotten, such as the tops and bottoms of their shoes, their ears, shoulders, even their lips. your lips need SPF, too).
Besides sunscreen, I also recommend stocking up on burn remedy products, too—just in case. This Alocane Max Emergency Burn Gel This product is designed to treat burns of the first degree. It contains lidocaine chloride, which provides pain relief and itching relief quickly, benzalkonium chloride, which prevents infections, and Aloe, to soothe and calm irritated or inflamed skin.
For minor sunburns, though, sometimes a good aloe gel is all you need for relief—for this, I recommend reaching for products that are free of added fragrances and irritating ingredients, like this Badger Organic Aloe Vera GelIt is safe to apply on the face and body.
Note: Always consult your doctor prior to using over-the counter products.
Proper eye protection
Sand, sunblock, chlorine and UV rays can cause your eyes to become itchy and sore. This may seem redundant but I would recommend buying several pairs for the summer. swim goggles You can also find out more about the following: polarized sunglasses. You’ll always have a pair of backup goggles on hand in case you accidentally step on the shades you love while walking or lose them in the Pacific Ocean.
I have several pairs of shoes. Bircen sunglasses—they’re stylish, budget-friendly, and come in a wide variety of colors and styles. They also provide UV400 protection from the sun’s harmful radiation. Although there are many good swimming goggles available, as a lifeguard I can tell you that they’re not all created equal. You can also find out more about the following: Childhood competitive swimmer I only bought my own goggles from Speedo.
If you want to remove sand, granules of sand, chlorine or saltwater from your eyes or even rogue eyelashes, there are many options. gentle eyewash solution This will work. If you or your child dislikes eye drops, it can be hard to rinse your eyes thoroughly. This is why I recommend using a pressurized eye wash cup Put it in your beach bag. Fill it with your eyewash, then lean your open eyes over the opening and squeeze the silicone handles. The eye wash will be swished around and in your eye.
Waterproof bag and First Aid Supplies
I’m not the only one who thinks that crocheted crossbody bags with raffia beach totes You will love this adorable For summer, these options tend not to work. Diddly squat When it comes to protecting gear from sand and surf, or exploding sunscreen bottles, a beach bag is a must. I would recommend bringing one if you can’t imagine going to the beach without it. waterproof pouch or toiletry bag Inside, you can protect your phone, medication, SPF products, as well as other essentials, from the weather.
I personally hate getting my towels, snacks or beach books wet. Waterproof dry bags are the way to go if you’re a lover of water activities—they’re durable, roomy, and Waterproof, they are great for use near water sources.
As to what goes You can find out more about this by clicking here. This bag is a great place to invest in a compact, high-quality first aid kit. I love this option from M2 Basics. It fits into the palm of your hand and comes with multiple types of bandages and wound dressings—but unlike some other small first aid kits, it also comes with an emergency blanket to fight off water-induced hypothermiaCPR face masks are available. a tourniquet Stop heavy blood flow. When it comes to blood flow, I would also recommend that you throw a pack of BleedStop Put some in your first aid kit just to be safe. This powder is useful in emergencies when water exposure makes it difficult for wounds and blood to clot naturally.
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