Swimming is a fun and healthy way to beat the heat — as long as you are prepared and do it in a safe place. Massachusetts is home to many lakes, ponds, oceans, and other natural bodies of water. Keep these tips in mind when you're planning a visit.
Safety tips for natural bodies of water
Natural bodies of water are more dangerous than they look because there may be:
- Steep drop-offs that can take you by surprise
- Invisible currents that can sweep you away or tire you out
- Tree limbs, plants, rocks and other obstacles that you can get stuck on
- Cold water that can shock your system and impair your ability to react
- More distance to reach that island than you think
- Poor visibility in the water, which can make it hard for you to see where you are and for other people to see you
Stay safe when visiting any natural body of water:
- Look for signs that say "No Swimming." If you see a sign, do not go into the water past your ankles.
- Call 911 immediately if you think someone is drowning.
- Do not try to rescue someone from the water unless you are trained in water rescue.
- Always swim with a buddy and swim in locations with a lifeguard when possible.
- Ask someone in your group to stay sober, out of the water, and alert while keeping an eye on other people in the water.
- Learn more about water safety and how you can keep everyone safe.
Water Safety Infographics
| Language | Word Document | |
|---|---|---|
| English | What's Hiding Under the Surface? | Accessible English |
| Spanish | ¿Qué se esconde debajo de la superficie? | Accessible Spanish |
| Portuguese | O que está se escondendo debaixo da superfície? | Accessible Portuguese |
| Haitian Creole | Kisa k ap Kache Anba Sifas la? | Accessible Haitian Creole |
| Cape Verdean | Kuzé ki ka sta vizivel na superfissi di água? | Accessible Cape Verdean |
| Language | Word Document | |
|---|---|---|
| English | How to beat the heat and stay safe | Accessible English |
| Spanish | Puedes ganarle al calor y mantenerte seguro/a | Accessible Spanish |
| Portuguese | Você pode vencer o calor e permanecer seguro se | Accessible Portuguese |
| Haitian Creole | Ou ka venk chalè a epi rete an sekirite konsa | Accessible Haitian Creole |
| Cape Verdean | Bu pode guenta kalor y fika seguru si bu | Accessible Cape Verdean |
| Language | Word Document | |
|---|---|---|
| English | Combined Water Safety Infographic | Accessible English |
| Spanish | Combined Water Safety Infographic (Spanish) | Accessible Spanish |
| Portuguese | Combined Water Safety Infographic (Portuguese) | Accessible Portuguese |
| Haitian Creole | Combined Water Safety Infographic (Haitian Creole) | Accessible Haitian Creole |
| Cape Verdean | Combined Water Safety Infographic (Cape Verdean) | Accessible Cape Verdean |