Summer is here, and World Champion in Swimming, Ioannis Drymonakos, reminds us how important it is to stay safe while enjoying the water.
To help ensure a safe swimming season, we are sharing the following safety guidelines from the Republic of Cyprus Ministry of Health.
Advice for the elderly
- Be aware of your physical abilities before entering the water
- Always swim with another person
- Enter and exit the water gradually
- Swim parallel to the shore
- Avoid swimming immediately after consuming food or drinks
- Avoid swimming in unfamiliar waters
- Avoid remaining motionless in the water (risk of hypothermia and hypotension)
- If you experience cramps or dizziness, seek assistance and exit the water calmly
Advice for children
- Always supervise children when they are in or near water
- Encourage children to learn to swim from an early age
- Use appropriate life jackets or flotation devices
- Choose organized beaches with lifeguard presence
- Avoid swimming for 1–2 hours after eating
- Discourage rough or dangerous play in the water
- Inform children that diving may increase the risk of injury
How to help in case of drowning
- Do not lose sight of the person in danger
- Alert the lifeguard immediately, if one is available
- Call 112 or ask someone nearby to do so
- Throw a rope, life jacket, or floating object for the person to hold onto
Never attempt to rescue someone on your own as you may put yourself in danger. Rescue involving physical contact should only be carried out by a well-trained lifeguard or rescuer.
Stay safe this summer ☀️