Water Safety

  • 2 days ago
Transcript
00:00I wasn't goofing off, I was visualizing.
00:30Dear Cassie and Moby,
00:32We just got new bathing suits and we can't wait to spend the summer swimming.
00:36Anything we should know before we dive in?
00:39Thanks, Dakota and Noah.
00:41Lucky for you guys, I...
00:43Yeah, I already put sunscreen on and reapplied.
00:47Now, where was I?
00:49Oh, lucky for you guys, I'm enrolled in a junior lifeguard course.
00:54So I can tell you all about how swimming is super fun and great exercise and helps beat the heat and...
01:07Aye-aye, Cap'n. Safety first.
01:11First off, you gotta know how to swim.
01:15The Red Cross and a bunch of other places offer lessons.
01:20If you can swim, it's still best to do it in places with lifeguards.
01:24Anyone can get in trouble, even pros.
01:27At backyard pools, make sure to tell a grown-up to watch you.
01:31And if you're still learning, stick to the shallow end and use support.
01:45Uh, right. By support, I meant a lifejacket.
01:49It should fit snug as a bug. No riding up over the chin.
01:53Your parents can help you figure out if you need to wear one.
01:57Those bots know swimming isn't a solo sport.
02:00They're following the buddy system.
02:02Pair up with a pal who's at about the same level and stick together.
02:06Keep an eye on each other, so if one of you is in trouble, the other can help.
02:10Or alert a guard.
02:17Swimming during a thunderstorm is super dangerous.
02:20Lightning is attracted to bodies of water, which means you could end up seriously hurt.
02:25Go inside and stay there for at least 30 minutes or so.
02:29If you can't swim, don't worry.
02:32You could end up seriously hurt.
02:34Go inside and stay there for at least 30 minutes after the last thunderclap.
02:39Wait, we're just going to leave them in there?
02:45Oof!
02:48Ah, well hello, sparkling sea.
02:52The beach certainly has its unique challenges.
02:54Ah!
02:57I meant ocean conditions.
02:59Know what you're in for by checking the color of the warning flag.
03:03Red means most hazardous, so no swimming.
03:07Yellow means rough conditions, so strong swimmers only, and use caution.
03:13Green is safest.
03:15But the ocean can be unpredictable on any day.
03:19Same as anywhere else you swim, pay attention to the lifeguards.
03:23And follow the same safety precautions that I talked about back at the pool.
03:28First, stay in designated swim areas close to the shore.
03:32Even experienced swimmers can sometimes get tired, especially if the surf is strong that day.
03:39Jumping waves is my favorite, but you have to stay alert.
03:43If one's about to break on top of you, dive under it!
03:46You want to go far down enough to avoid all that tumbling water.
03:50And keep your arms out to protect your neck.
03:54For smaller waves, you don't need to dive under.
03:57With anything below waist level, just crouch down until it passes.
04:02At beaches with a steep drop, you may feel a strong backwash.
04:06That's when the waves break and rush back out to sea.
04:10All that water pulls things along with it, including swimmers.
04:14If you ever feel like the waves or backwash are too strong, head to shore.
04:20And if you're too tired to make it in, wave to a lifeguard.
04:24That's what they're there for.
04:26They'll blow their whistles when they see you.
04:29Then you can save your strength and tread water till they get there.
04:34Oh, right! At certain beaches, you'll see signs warning about rip currents.
04:39That's when backwash gets forced into deep channels between waves.
04:43The effect is much stronger than ordinary backwash.
04:47Rip currents are tough to spot, and getting caught in one can be scary.
04:52Fighting against it will just tire you out.
04:55The most important rule when you're stuck inside a rip is to stay calm.
04:59If you're feeling strong, swim across the current until you're out of it.
05:04Then you can swim back into shore.
05:06If you're feeling tired, raise your hand to alert a guard.
05:10Then tread water until help arrives.
05:14Right-o! If you see someone who needs help, call a lifeguard or another adult.
05:19If there's someone else nearby, tell them to call 911.
05:24Meanwhile, you can try to help the swimmer from the shore.
05:27You don't want to jump in after them, or you might end up in trouble, too.
05:31So, if they're close, brace yourself and reach out a long item to pull them in.
05:38If they're farther away, toss them something that floats.
05:42Once they're back on land, they may need CPR to get them breathing again.
05:46All lifeguards know how to do CPR.
05:49But you can get certified in it yourself as early as age 9.
05:53You can also train to be a junior lifeguard, like me!
05:57So, Moby, how'd I do? And when do I get my whistle?
06:12Um...
06:15It's my honor to be the valedictorian of this year's junior lifeguard class!
06:21I want to thank Crusher and little Jimmy. Never could have done it without you guys.
06:28Whoa! The golden whistle of Poseidon!
06:37Ugh...