Before your family gets on the water on the Fourth of July, NBC2 is telling you how you can protect yourselves with tools health experts want you to use.
For many of us, the Fourth of July means getting into the water and swimming. Whether that's the pool or coming to the beach, you need a plan with the family.
Health experts we talked with at Galisano Children's Hospital say it's crucial never to swim alone, and it could be a life-saving idea to have a little help from a life jacket.
"Even if you're an adult who knows how to swim. And you can be an Olympian; it doesn't matter. Accidents happen," pediatric injury prevention specialist Tina Fleming said. "You can borrow a lifejacket if you need one. And then when you're done, you simply put it back in the life jacket loaner stand."
Fleming highlighted the importance of using a U.S. Coast Guard-approved life jacket - especially if you're going to the beach or boating.
Make sure to double-check that it is the correct size for your kids.
Despite setbacks from Hurricane Ian, life jacket loaner stations are available at Bonita Beach and Lover's Key. Collier County also has a list.
One last thing Fleming says you can do to help — make sure your child's swimsuit is a bright contrasting color to the water.
If they're in the water, a blue or purple swimsuit is going to be harder to see if someone accidentally goes underwater, as opposed to the bright red.
Let this holiday be a reminder to learn CPR. Glaisano and other health groups have classes to get certified — it's one more way you can be ready to help in an emergency.
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