6 Tips to Stay Safe on the Water Over Labor Day Weekend

Celebrating Labor Day on the water before the last day of summer? While there’s still time to be lazy in your bathing suit before summer comes to an end, don’t let your excitement and enthusiasm distract you from the dangers of too much water fun.
The American Red Cross advises the following tips to ensure your safety:
- Be aware of your surroundings
Whether the weather is hot, or whether the weather is cold, expect the unexpected from changes in the water, air, currents, debris, aquatic life, water depth, and the activities of those around you. Checking the weather and water conditions could prevent your activities on the water from being a total washout.
- Practice makes perfect=prevents accidents
Learn how to swim or take swimming lessons before you go. Brush up on your CPR by taking a course at a location near you so you’re prepared in the event someone drowns. Take note of any designated areas that are safe for swimming and never leave children unattended. Keep life jackets nearby in or around the water. It’s also best to swim with a friend, which sounds more fun anyway!
- Don’t be a dare-devil
Only dive into water that is at least 9 feet deep. Resist the temptation of diving or jumping from a tree, ledge or bridge. Also, for your safety, do not drink or do drugs while swimming.
- Don’t drink the water
Avoid ingesting water that could potentially be contaminated by sewage, animal waste, and water runoff. Even swimming in contaminated water can be unsafe. Eww!
- Boat safety is important-no “boats” about it!
If you’re going boating for your Labor Day holiday, luck you! Always wear a U.S. Coast Guard-approved life jacket, avoid the propellers, don’t inhale carbon monoxide, and get a free vessel safety check by the USCG before you “boat”!
- No one is “drown proof”!
Remember that you are human and are not immune to drowning even if you are a great swimmer. Unlike doing laps or swimming around in a pool, open water is far more dangerous and unpredictable.
Direct Auto Insurance hopes you have a safe and happy Labor Day weekend by keeping these safety tips in mind before hitting the water.
To make sure you and your car are covered before you drive to your Labor Day destination, speak with one of our friendly licensed agents on how we can find the right auto insurance for you at an affordable price regardless of your driving history. Call 1-877-463-4732 or visit our website to locate a store near you.
Related Information:
Tips For A Safe Labor Day Drive
11 Ways To Spend Labor Day Weekend