Open Water (rivers, lakes, ponds, oceans)
Open Water (rivers, lakes, oceans)
From the Chicago Lakefront to the Chicago River, open water provides everything from fun in the sun to life-sustaining drinking water. Unfortunately, life-giving water can turn catastrophic in moments. In the US, drownings after the age of 5 occur most often in open water. In most countries worldwide, most drownings occur in open water - not baths or pools - even for young children and babies. Educate yourself and your family on open water safety - it is truly a gift of life.
Action You Can Take:
Enroll your child in swim lessons. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends starting swim lessons as young as 1 year old. The Park District and YMCA are great resources in your community.
Learn CPR. Click here to find an American Red Cross CPR class in your community.
Always swim near a lifeguard. Your chances of drowning are reduced to 1 in 18 million.
Wear a lifejacket, especially weak swimmers and when boating.
Learn More:
Great Lakes Dangerous Currents
Minorities drown at much higher rates. Watch this film to learn more, and then learn to swim.
Water Safety Task Force Chicago Metro does not endorse or guarantee the quality of any swim classes and does not accept any liability related to poor instruction, injury or death which may occur from any of the resources listed on these pages.