MedlinePlus Health Topics
disease topic
Patient-friendly
Water Safety (Recreational)
Source: MedlinePlus Health Topics, U.S. National Library of Medicine
Last synced 8/8/2026Status: primary verified
Playing in the water - whether swimming, boating or diving - can be fun. It can also be dangerous, especially for children. Being safe can help prevent injuries and drowning . To stay safe in the water: Avoid alcohol when swimming or boating Wear a life jacket whenever you're in a boat Don't swim alone, or in bad weather Learn CPR Learn to swim and teach your children to swim Supervise your children when they are in the water Prevent sunburns - use plenty of sunscreen
Educational only
This information is for general education and is not medical advice. Always talk to a licensed U.S. clinician about your situation, medications, or treatment decisions.