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Show Rov r Half 01 Annual Drownings liam i Occui In Summer Months Most of the people in the reert: united States do not know :ed at : now t0 swim, and that's the basic reason why drowning be-l. be-l. comes one of the most import -rlf?"'' ant causes of accidental dsath ther? in the summer. rd bf: National Safety Council fig- it ures show that about half the drownings each year take place in only three months June, July and August. Drownings show the greatest seasonal increase in-crease of any summer hazards. So if you are planning to swim this summer and it's fine exercise as well as pleasant pleas-ant recreation pay attention to these suggestions from the Council: Learn To Swim Well Learn to swim well. Self- taught "dog paddlers" too often think they are swimmers and : v overestimate abilities. Know (your limits as a swimmer and stay within them. And don't think all water is the same. Never swim alone. Always have help -at hand, preferably a M lifeguard with the knowledge ,. i and equipment for rescue. Don't swim after dark for the same Jr reason. It is too hard for even Jt an expert to assist you in the if dark. jf It is dangerous to dive into water of undetermined depth. Submerged rocks or logs may i knock you out. Sudden plunges 1 into cold water should be I avoided. Go in gradually, and I remember that you tire faster in cold water. Don't plunge in- to water when you are over-I over-I heated, and wait at least an " hour after eating to swim. Pranks Are Dangerous I Never jokingly call for help, and don't splash or annoy others oth-ers who are timid in the water. Horseplay and pranks cause J many water accidents each year. Even strong swimmers are subject to cramps and bad guesses on their endurance. If a I you want to swim for any distance, dis-tance, have someone follow you in a boat. Don't let children take beach balls, inflated animals or light rubber rafts in -the water. A gust of wind often blows them as"- beyond reach, and in trying to '"8 retrieve them, a child may get "": jM beyond his depth. This is a mmA I point adults should keep in 3 I j mind, too. |