Test your knowledge on lake swimming.  Answer true or false, and then check your responses by reading over the following answers.

When in doubt as to whether or not the USA Swimming Report of Occurrence form should be filled out, go ahead and complete the form.  More information.

It's time for your first home swim meet and you have been asked to oversee safety factors for your two day event.  You have at least two marshals for each session, but you have not had a chance to walk through the facility.  What areas do you want to evaluate in the pool and surrounding area, BEFORE the first day of your swim meet?  Here are ten areas to focus on to enhance safety during your swim meet.

Have you every heard swim parents, coaches, or officials question "Why do we need Marshals?" or "All that Marshals have to do is to wear a brightly colored vest and stand or sit in a quiet place near the corner of the pool."   Find out the answers and more.

Underwater swimming results in less turbulence, better visibility, and a greater feeling of tranquility than may be achieved with surface swimming.  But, it can be dangerous.  Learn more.

Proper footwear improves health of our feet and decreases the incidence of toe, foot, and lower leg injuries.  Learn more.

“It is Just a Cut!”

 How many times have you heard this from a coach, swimmer, or parent? A cut in the skin can vary from a paper cut to a life threatening deep laceration involving arterial bleeding.  Skin cuts, or lacerations, typically involve pain, some blood loss, and possibly surrounding tissue damage.  Furthermore, lacerations are a wide open portal for infection.  Learn more.

As Nancy completes her 200Y Individual Medley event, you notice her gasping for breath as she crawls out on the edge of the pool. Her lips have a blue tinge. Her eyes are closed, and she is grimacing as she fumbles in her swim bag to locate her inhaler.  Nancy is having a bad day with her asthma.  Learn more.

“Staying Hydrated or Getting Dehydrated at Swim Meets!”

With the summer long course season now in full swing, we need to remember several things about dehydration and proper hydration.  By taking proactive steps you can stay well hydrated and not become dehydrated at swim meets!   Learn how to protect yourself.

Bronchodilators should only be used by swimmers who have documented asthma or other restrictive airway diseases.  Learn more.

Lightning kills more people in this country than tornadoes, floods, or hurricanes.  During the last 30 years, lightning has killed an average of 62 people per year.  Yet, because lightning only claims one or two victims at a time and does not usually cause mass destruction of property, it is underrated as a safety risk.  To be safe, it is best to have a plan ahead of time when swimming indoors or outdoors, or doing any outdoor activity.  Learn how to protect yourself.