WATER SAFETY TIPS

Know the water — Sudden immersion in cold water can stimulate the Gasp Reflex, causing a sudden inhalation of air or water. Cold water entering the ear canal can cause vertigo and disorientation.

Know your limits — Swimming in open water is more difficult than in a swimming pool. People tire more quickly and can get into trouble. Many unseen obstacles can be lurking below the water’s surface, especially with this year’s high runoff following years of drought.

Wear a life jacket — Conditions change quickly in open water and even the best swimmers can misjudge the water and their skills when boating or swimming. Wearing a properly fitted U.S. Coast Guard-approved life jacket can increase survival time. Many locations across the state allow you to borrow a lifejacket for the day or weekend. Learn more at www.BoatCalifornia.com. Whitewater rafting and paddling — Most California rivers are fed by the mountain snowpack, so they are cold year around. Even on warm, sunny days, rafters and paddlers must be prepared to deal with the water temperatures.

Parental supervision — Actively supervise children in and around open bodies of water, giving them your undivided attention. Do not assume that someone is watching them. Appoint a designated “water watcher,” taking turns with other adults. Teach children that swimming in open water is not the same as swimming in a pool: they need to be aware of uneven surfaces, river currents, ocean undertow and changing weather.