We all look forward to the beautiful and warm summer months ahead and hope to see you cooling off at Idylwood Beach. 

1. Learn how to swim and swim only in approved areas.  The easiest way to stay safe while swimming is to know your limits and check out the area to become familiar. 
2. Supervise children and be sure to obey lifeguards and signs at all times.  Immediately notify the lifeguard on duty of any real or potential danger.
3. Never swim in bad weather.  Swimming during electric storms or thunderstorms is extremely dangerous and could cause severe injury or even death.
4. Never dive into shallow water or water where you cannot see the bottom.  There may be obstructions or other hazards that could cause injury. 
5. Never jump in to save someone unless you have the proper training.  Instead, throw out a life ring or other flotation device to help them stay afloat.   Then always call for help.
6. Always wear sun block, even in overcast weather. 
7. Drink plenty of liquids.  On hot days when you sweat a lot, an adult can lose up to 2.5 liters of fluid, and children may lose up to 1 liter. 
8. Never swim alone.  Instead, use the buddy system that allows you to stay and help someone who is hurt while your buddy goes to get help, or allows you to go get help for your buddy if there is no one else around.
9. While on boats or other small watercraft, be sure everyone is wearing a Coast Guard approved Personal Floatation Device.  Even if you know how to swim, you could become ill or injured to a point where you need the assistance of your PFD.
10. And always remember that if you’re not feeling well, take a break out of the sun and drink fluids.  Heat stroke is a life-threatening condition where your body stops sweating and your temperature rises dramatically.  This could lead to severe brain damage or even death.

In addition, the Fire Department suggests that you learn CPR.  Enroll in a free class this summer by calling 425-556-2300 or registering online at www.ci.redmond.wa.us.
Additional water and boating safety tips at: www.redcross.org, www.uscg.mil, www.parks.wa.gov/boating.asp, and www.nfpa.org/riskwatch/topwater.html.

Thirst is not a strong enough indicator to get people to drink enough in hot weather.  Often, by the time we are thirsty, we may already be dehydrated.

• Drink eight to sixteen ounces of fluids (one to two cups) a couple of hours before you exercise. 
• Drink another one half to one cup immediately before exercising and one half to one cup every 15 minutes during heavy exercise or on a hot day.
• Cold water is more palatable, so freeze your bottle half full and add cold water before you take off.
• Add a lemon wedge for taste or mix seltzer water with diluted juice.
• For kids, mix their fruit juice half strength with cold water.
• Sports drinks on hot days are great tasting, and if they help you to drink more, you might give them a try. But, according to experts, they are not necessary if you are exercising for less than an hour and a half.
• Try to exercise in the morning and late afternoon to avoid the risk of overheating.