Tag Archives: swimming safety

General Safety Issues

VACATIONING FUN ON THE WATER IN SOUTH CAROLINA: KEEP IT SAFE! (GUEST POST)

Vacationing Fun On The Water in South Carolina: Keep It Safe

People all over America sometimes spend months at a time saving money just to afford a trip to the beach. For residents of South Carolina, however, this “saving” period often just involves filling up the gas tank and heading off. This is because, even in the most remote areas of the state, South Carolinians are usually no more than 100 miles away from the nearest waterway. The choice of places to go and activities to enjoy is nearly endless, but it’s also important for an individual or family to know how to stay safe while enjoying the waters of the Palmetto State.

Places to Go

There are an abundance of water sources that South Carolina residents can enjoy. To the east and easily accessible to those who live in the southern parts of the state is the great Atlantic Ocean. Charleston, Myrtle Beach and Hilton Head are all popular destinations, but these beaches aren’t the only ones that people can enjoy. Those in the Midlands can spend their time at Lake Murray or head south to Lake Marion or Lake Moultrie. 

Residents up north also have a few options. Depending on where an individual resides, they are likely to be close to either Strom Thurmond Lake, Fishing Creek Lake or Wateree Lake. Many people even have fun at the smaller Monticello Reservoir after a few activities at the Sumter National Forest. It may seem unfair for South Carolina to have so many options while other states have so few, but with the humid summers that the state faces, many would agree that these waterways are well-deserved.

What to Do

There’s no shortage of things to do in, on and even above the waters of South Carolina. Those who visit the ocean can partake in surfing, scuba diving, parasailing and kite boarding, just to name a few. Those who end up at the state’s lakes can also enjoy fun events like jet skiing, waterskiing and tubing. Many of these activities can likewise be enjoyed on the state’s rivers along with kayaking and white water rafting. In addition, all of these places are great spots for fishing and swimming. There’s literally a little something for everyone to do. 

Staying Safe

Having fun in and on the water is all well and good, but it’s important for a person to take a few safety precautions to ensure the safety of themselves and those around them. Unfortunately, even when proper precautions are taken, the negligence of others can cause injuries to even the safest of water-goers. This should remain an important consideration when enjoying oneself. 

  • Never consume alcohol while swimming, driving boats or in any water activities.
  • Keep an eye on children at all time. Young children aren’t strong swimmers and should always wear floatation devices.
  • Life vests should be worn by everyone on a boat, regardless of how well they swim.
  • Follow instructor directions when undertaking any special water sport (ie. parasailing, scuba diving).
  • Be aware of undertow which is a current under the surface of the ocean moving in the differing way to the surface current, usually away from the shore.
  • Never swim alone.

When another person causes an accident through negligence, it’s important for the victim to seek immediate medical attention and contact a personal injury attorney Charleston SC based or an advocate in any area of the state. This is less about a free payday and more about covering medical bills and losses. Accidents on the water can be detrimental; usually more detrimental than those on land. This can lead to serious injuries, property damage and even death. Without legal help, the victim of a waterway accident may suffer physically, emotionally and financially for the rest of their lives.

There is never a shortage of water activities to take up a person’s time while in South Carolina. From the South Carolina/Georgia border all the way to the Atlantic Ocean, residents and visitors have their pick of excitement. It’s important to remember, however, that safety should always come first. If an individual acts with safety in mind, they’ll reduce their chances of being in or causing an accident. A waterway accident may easily lead to personal injury claims and financial losses, so taking proper safety precautions will ensure that a person is on the right side of the aisle if ever involved in these situations.

As a safety advocate and avid beach goer, Kelly Dennie, freelance writes about many different topics. Howell and Christmas, LLC is a personal injury attorney Charleston SC based law firm that knows the state’s laws well and will fight for you to get comprehensive medical treatment, recompense, and other damages you are entitled to under the law. The representatives of the insurance company work for them and not you. Therefore, you should have a skilled attorney working for you that understands the legal issues and represents your best interest.

First Aid Safety, General Safety Issues

SUMMER SAFETY ALERT – FOLLOW WATER SAFETY GUIDELINES (Guest Post)

With the official beginning of Summer being tomorrow, June 20th, this post sent to us by Carrie Dotson, of  is most appropriate.  There are many little ones splashing in pools everywhere, so it’s very important that they are properly supervised.  Here is some advice from Carrie: 

With the summer months here, many nannies and children will spend time in and around water.  For this reason, it’s important that parents take precautions when choosing who their children swim with.

International Nanny Association recently released the following recommendation:

INA recommends that children are only to be taken swimming by a nanny if she is a lifeguard, if she has successfully completed a credible water safety and rescue course, or if there is a lifeguard present.

INA recommends that any child care provider who works in a home where there is a large body of water present be properly trained in water safety and rescue.  

While to some the recommendation may seem overboard, the 2010 drowning death of a Long Island toddler and nanny in a swimming pool  and the death of a nanny who did not know how to swim but jumped in the water to rescue her charge serve as reminders that when in and around water, it is essential that the caregiver be a strong  swimmer who is comfortable around water.

If a nanny is required or encouraged to take the children in and around water, it is important that the caregiver have the skills and confidence necessary to safely supervise the children in her care.

As an INA member, we support INA’s recommendations. In addition, we recommend that when looking for a nanny, parents:

  • Disclose if water play or swimming will be encouraged or required.
  • Ask if the nanny has lifeguard or water safety and rescue training.
  • Ask for proof of current CPR and first aid certification.
  • Ask if the nanny is comfortable around water.
  • Inquire as to the nanny’s swimming ability.
  • Require the nanny to obtain life guard certification or to take a water safety and rescue course if supervising the children in and around water will be part of her duties and responsibilities. Parents may wish to contribute to or cover the cost of this training should they require it.

The warm, summer months are ideal for playing in and around water. Before allowing your child to enjoy water activities with her caregiver, be sure she is qualified to supervise her properly and save her from drowning, should the need arise.

Parents who don’t employ nannys should always be vigilant about times that their little ones are in the pool.  Public pools are very loud and active, so it’s difficult for lifeguards to see every movement.  Private pools should be fenced in order to keep children from being tempted to dive in unannounced.  Have a safe and fun summer! pb