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Aspirus Health shares tips for safer summer swimming

With July and the height of summer arriving, many will turn to activities that take advantage of the abundance of freshwater lakes and rivers in the Upper Peninsula and northern Wisconsin.

But it’s important to know how to be safe while enjoying some time on or near the water.

“Whether you’re searching for agates, building sandcastles or splashing in the waves for hours at your favorite local beach, it’s important to know basic swimming skills,” said Shannon Handler, a family nurse practitioner at Aspirus Health. “It’s crucial to know what to do in a water emergency — including how to help someone in trouble.”

Aspirus Health offers these safety tips before taking the plunge or wading in —

— Learn to swim. Ensure everyone in the family learns to swim well. Enroll in an age-appropriate swimming course. Keep young children and weak swimmers within arm’s reach.

— Use the buddy system. Never swim alone, even at a public pool or a beach that has a lifeguard on duty. Always go with a buddy.

— Wear sunscreen. Use a broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher. Be sure to reapply it every two hours and after swimming.

— Obey the signs. Water-safety signs and flags are important hazard warnings. They indicate where safety aids or lifeguards are available.

— Feet first. What may look like deep water can actually be an illusion, leading you into thinking it’s safe to dive in. Always enter the water feet first to check the depth.

— Learn rescue skills. Knowing CPR and basic water skills are important in the event of a water emergency. Learning these skills can help save a life without putting yourself at risk.

— Check the weather and conditions before leaving home. Swimming and water activities can be dangerous at times. Weather can create strong currents and change the depth and clarity of the water.

“U.P. summers are what we dream about all winter,” Handler said. “No matter how much experience you have in and around the water, it’s always a good idea to play it safe.”

For more information on water safety, go to aspirus.org/water-safety.

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