Areas across the U.S. saw temperatures head into the 100s. One of the best ways to stay cool is by going into the water to swim or sit and soak. Before your parents head to the lake, pool, ocean, or river, ensure that everyone follows these water safety tips.
Use the Buddy System
No one should go to a pond, lake, river, or pool without having someone else with them. If something happens, that second person can get help. Ideally, get the family together and spend the day together. There’s more help in a group, and you’re parents benefit from the socialization from a larger gathering.
Make a day of it with a picnic lunch, water games, and a shady area to sit and chat in between trips into the water. Keep plenty of water on hand for hydration.
Always Use Life Jackets
If you’re out on a boat, everyone needs to wear a life jacket. It doesn’t matter if a person is a strong swimmer. A life jacket is essential for staying safe. Make sure the life jackets are fastened correctly and not just draped over the neck.
When swimming, those who are not strong swimmers should also have a life jacket on. Even in shallow water, a wave could come in and knock a person down. A life jacket is vital for water safety.
Keep a First Aid Kit on Hand
Make sure you have a first aid kit. Water shoes can help protect the feet from cuts from glass, sharp rocks, or barnacles, but accidents can still happen. Your mom may trip and cut her arm on a branch.
Some insects and reptiles may bite if they feel provoked. Your dad may get too close to a water snake and get bitten. While the bite isn’t poisonous, you want to clean it out to prevent infection. While these situations are less common, it’s best to be prepared for them.
Wear Sunscreen
You can’t ignore the need for sunscreen in the water. UV rays travel through water, so your parents can burn just as easily when they’re swimming. A waterproof sunscreen that protects against UVA and UVB rays is essential. When they get out of the water, they need to reapply sunscreen even if it hasn’t been two hours.
Arrange Wellness Checks in Hot Weather
You can’t forget to have someone checking on your parents. You may not live nearby, but you should have another family member, neighbor, or family friend stopping in to make sure your parents stay cool. If no one is close enough, call a home care agency and arrange to have caregivers stop by.
Caregivers make sure your parents drink plenty of water, eat water-rich foods like melon or citrus fruits, and alert you if something is wrong. A home care representative is happy to arrange caregivers for the services that benefit your parents.
If you or an aging loved-one is considering a Caregiver in Fitchburg, WI please contact the caring staff at Agape Senior Services Madison today. (608) 841-1004
