Anne Arundel County Department of Health, Anne Arundel County, Maryland

Sun Safety and Water Safety

Updated: 11.16.11

Did you know...

• Exposure to the sun during childhood and adolescence plays a role in developing skin cancer in the future?
• Drowning is one of the leading causes of accidental death among children ages 1-9 in the United States?

Summer is here and with it comes pool parties, barbecues, trips to the beach, gardening and other outdoor activities. While the sun and water feel wonderful after cold winter weather, the Department of Health reminds you to be safe. Here are some tips that can help you and your family be safe in the sun and water.

Save Your Skin

1. Minimize sun exposure between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. when the sun's rays are the strongest.
2. Use sunscreen with an SPF of 15 or higher. Apply 30 minutes before going outdoors, even on cloudy days. Remember to reapply after swimming or at least every two hours.
3. Wear protective, tightly woven clothing, a broad-brimmed hat and sunglasses.
4. Seek shade when outdoors.
5. Do not tan with sun lamps, tanning beds or sunlight. Deliberate tanning increases your chance of skin cancer. Tanning and Skin Cancer
6. Make sure children six months and older are protected with sunscreen, hats and protective clothing. Infants should stay in the shade.
7. Check your skin regularly for signs of skin cancer, including changes in size, shape, color or feel of birthmarks, moles and spots. If you see changes, consult your doctor.

For more information on sun safety:

• Sun Safety Activities for Children
• Hot Weather Tips
• Sun Safe Workplace (PDF)

Water Safety

At Home:

1. Never leave your child alone in or around water, including bathtubs, sinks and toilets.
2. Do not rely on bath support rings or seats to keep your child safe in the tub.
3. Use toilet locks so children cannot open the lid.
4. Empty all buckets immediately after use and store out of your child's reach. Children age 4 and under can drown in just one inch of water.

In and Around Pools:

1. Empty and turn over wading pools immediately after use.
2. Enclose your pool or spa with four-sided isolation fencing at least five feet high with self-closing and self-latching gates. Pool fences should completely separate the house and play area from the pool.
3. Learn CPR and keep rescue equipment, a telephone and emergency numbers beside your pool.
4. Teach your children to swim, but never rely solely on swimming lessons to protect them from drowning.
5. Teach your children never to run, push or jump on others around water.
   See Swimming Pool Safety Checklist (PDF).
6. Pool chemicals make the water safer by reducing germs; however, these same chemicals can cause injuries if they are not properly handled. See pool chemical safety (PDF).

In Open Water:

Drowning Risks in Natural Water Settings (CDC)
1. Never allow young children to swim alone. Make sure older children always swim with a buddy or adult.
2. Be sure your child wears a life jacket when on a boat or near water and that it fits correctly. Click here for mandatory life jacket requirements.
3. Make sure children swim in designated areas in open water. Look for clear water with little or no current and check the depth of the water before swimming.
4. Alcohol use while around the pool or open water impairs your judgement and may slow your reaction time, creating a safety hazard for you and your family.

Preventing Water-related Illnesses

1. Never swim within 48 hours of heavy rainfall in the Bay or other natural bodies of water.
2. Shower as soon as possible after water exposure.
3. Cover open wounds and clean injuries immediately if they come in contact with natural bodies of water.
4. Check for recreational water closings and safety messages or call 410-222-7999 or sign up for E-alerts about beach closings.
5. Avoid drinking or dunking in natural bodies of water. When drying off, don't forget to tilt your head and let water drain.
6. Do not swim if you have diarrhea or if you feel nauseous.
7. If you have a chronic condition like diabetes, liver disease or HIV, talk to your doctor before participating in water recreation.
8. Change children's diapers frequently - in a bathroom if possible - and always away from the water's edge.
9. Do not feed birds or other wildlife on or near the beach.

• View In the Swim of Things Video
• See Healthy Swimming (CDC)

Water Quality and Swimming or Fishing In Anne Arundel County Rivers and Creeks.

For additional information on sun safety and water safety, call the Department's Learn To Live Line at 410-222-7979 and request a free Safe-In-The-Sun Kit and Playing It Safe brochure or download the brochure now (PDF).

Below is a list of groups in Anne Arundel County that provide CPR lessons and swimming lessons.

Water Safety Resources

CPR Classes

Parents, babysitters and other people who take care of children, such as grandparents and older siblings, should know CPR. Below is a list of groups that provide CPR courses in Anne Arundel County. Please be sure to say that you are interested in infant/child CPR.

Swimming Lessons

Teach your child to swim, but never rely solely on swimming lessons to protect him or her from drowning. Young children should receive constant, close supervision by an adult while in and around water. Older children should always swim with a friend or adult. The following groups provide swimming lessons in and around Anne Arundel County. Your community pool may also offer lessons during the summer months.

For more information on Injury Prevention, call the Anne Arundel County Department of Health, 410-222-4223.

Please be sure to contact these groups for updated information. Inclusion of these organizations with the Learn To Live materials does not constitute endorsement by the Anne Arundel County Department of Health.

Information for this Web page was obtained from the American Academy of Dermatology, the Food and Drug Administration and the National SAFE KIDS Campaign.