Three water safety tips to keep you afloat

Anyone can become an unplanned swimmer. Wearing a life jacket and practicing water safety skills can help keep yourself and others safe. Remember these three important tips to help protect yourself and your friends and family the next time you're near the water.

Wear a Life Jacket

Wearing a life jacket is your best defense against drowning. The Recreational Boating Safety Program recommends wearing a life jacket at all times when on or near the water. Ensure the life jacket is U.S. Coast Guard approved and fits properly.

Reach, Throw, Don't Go!

Reach

Reach with any nearby objects long enough for the swimmer to grab onto, like an oar or a paddle, and carefully pull them to safety.

Throw

Throw something that floats to the swimmer, like a life preserver or life jacket.

Don't go

Don't go into the water yourself!

Cold Water Shock

Your body automatically gasps and restricts blood flow to prevent heat loss when exposed to water less than 70 degrees. Without a life jacket, many drowning victims die within minutes of going overboard due to cold water shock.

Learn more about cold water safety here.

Originally published March 16, 2026