Safety is Key to Enjoyable Summer
Californians on the highways, in their pools or on their boats need to keep safety in forefront
Core Facts
- Summer vacation means crowded highways and waterways
- Vehicle maintenance and being prepared before you hit the road for your summer vacation are keys to a safe return home
- Water safety begins at home around the pool and on your boat
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Summer Auto Safety
With summer in full swing, Americans are hitting the highways for summer vacations. Whether you are getting away for a vacation, driving your local streets and highways, maintaining your vehicle and being prepared are keys to your safe return home.
Some simple steps can help you avoid headaches on the road:
- Get your car serviced before you travel including a check of the engine, and other systems such as the air conditioning, the tires, brakes, lights and windshield wipers.
- Of course, it's also a good idea to have an emergency kit in your trunk - jumper cables, tools, water, emergency flares, and a flashlight and gloves - just in case.
- Finally, remember that weather can be unpredictable on your trip, plan ahead and find out the weather conditions before venturing out on your road trip.
Summer Water Safety
With rising summer temperatures it is natural for people to head to the water to seek relief. Whether you prefer the pool, the ocean or the river, safety is always a concern, not just for children but also for adults. The following safety tips can help keep your family safe and having fun.
Swimming Pools
- Pool equipment should be checked frequently. Make sure there is secure fencing around any pool to keep children and unauthorized individuals from the pool area. All gates should be self-closing and lockable.
- Secure all grates and drains so they cannot be removed without the use of tools. Instruct all swimmers on the dangers of entrapment and drowning that can occur when fingers, toes or the body come too close to these items. Anyone with long hair should also be cautioned not to get his or her hair near a pool outlet because the suction can be strong enough to hold even an adult under water.
- Completely remove pool covers when anyone is in the pool. Extreme care should be taken to prevent children from climbing on top of the cover or getting caught underneath. Check the cover often and remove water that accumulates on top; make sure the cover is properly anchored and tied down.
- Make sure there is rescue equipment around the pool. Follow manufacturer directions for proper storage of all pool chemicals in a clean, well-ventilated area that can be secured.
Boating Safety
According to the United States Coast Guard, Seven out of 10 fatalities in boating accidents result from drowning. Nine out of 10 reported drowning victims were not wearing personal flotation devices (PFDs). Make the numbers work in your favor - wear your life jacket.
- Make sure you have enough life jackets and throw-able flotation devices on your boat. Select a life jacket that is Coast Guard approved. Water toys are not suitable substitutes.
- Choose life jackets that properly fit you and your passengers.
- Dry life jackets completely in a cool, ventilated area before storing them. Avoid contact with oil, grease, or other substances that could deteriorate the life jacket.
- Check life jackets at least twice a year for mildew, broken straps or hardening. Dispose of unserviceable life jackets and replace them with new ones.
With more boaters on the water than ever before, you must be prepared for any situation and take special precautions with personal watercraft. The number of personal watercraft (PWC) is more than 10 times greater today than in the late 1980s. With the number of people using personal watercrafts on the rise, injuries and deaths associated with their use has also increased.
- Leave alcohol at home. Alcohol use is a major contributing factor in recreational boating fatalities. Boating under the influence is also illegal in all states and provinces.
- Always operate at a safe speed and be ready to react quickly in emergencies.
- On personal watercraft, all riders must wear properly fitted, Coast Guard-approved life jackets and make sure the engine "kill switch" is securely attached to the operator via a lanyard so the motor will shut off if the operator falls off.
- Always stay alert. Look in all directions before turning. Be aware of other boats, skiers, divers and swimmers.
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