Page 4 - Senior Times South Central Michigan June 2022 - 29-06

Page 4 Senior Times - June 2022
SAFE SUMMERTIME TRAVEL & WATER FUN
By: Sherii Sherban, Publisher
Summertime is a popular time for family fun and travel. It’s also a good time to reevaluate safety measures at your home or cottage before little ones come visiting.
To keep yourself and family safe and cool in the vehicle while traveling remember these driv- ing safety tips.
It is important to recognize that driving is
a physical exercise, which requires a certain level of strength, flexibility, and coordination to do safely. Flexibility fitness training can be an effective tool in improving range of motion and increasing levels of fitness among older drivers, resulting in better driving skills. In addition to flexibility exercises, it may be important to learn more about how to safely cope with a decline in vision as well as hearing.
Did you know that in Michigan you are never more than six miles from a body of water? We are known for our great lakes and with that comes a need for understanding common sense water safety tips.
sure it’s safe to swim in the ocean or lake. Remember the saying, Reach, Throw, and Go.
Travel Safety
With that in mind make sure to equip your lake or pool area with proper equipment to prevent a drowning.
Summer temperatures can create dangerously hot conditions in your vehicle. Remember to check that you air conditioning is working prop- erly. Never leave children or pets waiting in a vehicle.
Water Safety
Keep rescue equipment and a cell phone near- by. Rescue equipment can include a Shepherd’s hook (a long pole with a hook on the end) and
a life preserver. The Shepherd’s hook should
be made of fiberglass or other materials that do not conduct electricity. Do not rely on inflatable swimming aids such as “floaties” to replace an approved life jacket. These devices can give chil- dren and parents a false sense of security.
Before taking a long trip have your vehicle inspected for safety. Have your oil, transmission, coolant, and brake, power steering, and wind- shield fluids checked. Make sure your windshield wipers are working properly. Remember to check your tire pressure.
The best way to prepare your grand kids for the pool or beach is to enroll them in formal les- sons when they’re learning to swim. According to the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), children over the age of one may be at lower risk of drowning if they have had some formal swim- ming instruction.
Share safety instructions and water rules with family, friends, and neighbors.
When planning a road trip make sure to have up to date road maps or a route planned out with a GPS. Always share your travel itinerary with family or friends.
When swimming in open waters never swim alone. Even experienced swimmers need to use the buddy system. Remember never dive into water if you don’t know the depth and check for underwater objects. Never swim in canals or in any fast moving water.
Don’t overload your vehicle. Check the own- er’s manual for maximum weight of cargo and passengers that your vehicle can safely carry.
While heading to the pool or beach can be a relaxing time, grand parents still need to be alert when children are in the water. Remember to never leave children alone in or near the water. Grand parents should be within arms reach of young children at all times. Older children who are experienced swimmers should still be moni- tored while in the water.
Know about rip tides. If you find yourself caught in a rip tide remember to swim parallel to the shore until you escape the current and then immediately swim back to the shore.
Summer weather increases road construction work. Be careful to navigate safely through construction zones. Obey the construction speed zones and watch for the work crew and vehicles in the construction zones. Many travel apps will give you a heads up regarding construction and accident zones.
Boat Safety
A note about safe driving as you age must also be included here. Research has shown that even though older drivers travel fewer miles
per year they are more prone to being seriously injured or killed in a traffic crash. Taking appro- priate steps to be a safe driver are easier than you might think.
Remember the dangers of boating under the influence of alcohol or drugs; even some pre- scription medications can affect your ability to operate a boat safely.
When children are in or around water have an adult that knows how to swim and perform CPR within arm’s length, or nearby depending on skill level, to provide close supervision. Better yet, sign up for a CPR class so you are prepared. In public places like neighborhood pools or beach- es, make sure to swim with a lifeguard on duty. They are trained to help in emergencies and they also keep an eye on water conditions to make
When on a boat people should wear life jack- ets at all times especially non-swimmers and children. Make sure that the life jacket is the right size for the individual using it and that all straps and belts are used.
Enjoy a safe summer. Remember just a few precautions can make a big difference in making the summer safe and fun for everyone.
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