Water is every where in Florida. People have pools, there are rivers, lakes (sink holes filled with water, throughout the state). Additionally, Florida is surrounded by water in three sides and there is a large number of islands surrounding the mainland. But even with that knowledge, every year, countless individuals die in Florida pools. Some in their own backyards, at one of the many water theme parks, or while boating in the rivers, lakes, or ocean/gulf waters.
While some of the deaths are because of individuals being intoxicated or in areas that far exceed their expertise, some of the most heart wrenching are those of young children slipping away from adult supervision into a neighbor’s pool or hotel pool.
While I know how to swim, there are limits. Long gone are the days where I’d spend the summer at the local pool. Nearly 7 hours a day were spent swimming during my elementary years. I know if I was to go kayaking or in any other boat for that matter, I will have a floatations devise either on or nearby. But not all adults put their thinking cap on prior to entering the water.
For those reading this, if you are going to enjoy the summer months in the water, know your limits. Be prepared for the ship to go down, have your life vest handy for not only yourself but for others in your party. Do not drink and swim; they are not a good match and if you are with younger ones, be safe and just out that vest on even if there is no intent to get in the water. Accidents do happen, they could just fall in.
For those with pools at your home, be sure the pool is properly enclosed. You don’t want any visitors coming over for a late night swim. Too many children slip away to drown in a pool that isn’t properly enclosed. And is you have visitors, be sure to know where they are at all times. Many children amazed by the water and just don’t realize how dangerous it is. And when it is time to go for a swim make sure you are watching the young swimmers; they could get in trouble when you least expect it. Know that in your home pool you are the lifeguard and you must watch each child to make sure they aren’t in distress.
If you fancy the east coast of Florida and want to swim in the Atlantic Oacean, please do it is nice, but know that if your in Volusia county, say New Smyrna Beach (NSB) area you may get bit by a shark. No it’s not the Great White size, at least not typically, but the area is the Shark Attack Capital of the World. Granted you are most likely to survive and tell individuals about your experience, but it certainly isn’t fun spending the time in the hospital or going through surgery to repair the damage done by the shark. NSB is one of my favorite FL beaches so don’t be afraid of the Sharks, just be aware and cautious.
Of course if you’re in the rivers and lakes in Florida please be aware of the four legged reptiles that can do significant damage. They are of course alligators and crocodiles. You’re sure to run into one of these in most Florida water areas.
One last word of caution, when swimming in the ocean or the gulf, only swim when there are lifeguards present. They will be able to help if you are in distress and see any rip tide activity. If you get caught in a rip tide unless you know how to get out, your swimming expertise will get you nowhere but in trouble.
Enjoy the waters of Florida, the pools in the hotels and theme parks, and even the lakes nearest you, but please be careful, watch those around you, and know your limits.