Interactive Tools

What Do You Know About Water Safety?

Hundreds of people drown each year in the U.S., including those who die in boating accidents and in swimming pools. Summertime is a prime time for water-related injuries. Learn more about water safety by taking this quiz, based on information from the American Red Cross (ARC) and other safety groups.

1. Alcohol is rarely involved in drowning deaths related to boating mishaps.
2. If you don't have a life jacket to fit your child, inflatable "water wings" will work as a substitute.
3. Before heading out in your boat, tell someone how long you intend to be away.
4. At a home pool, you can leave children unattended if it's for less than 5 minutes.
5. Children who are in trouble in the water often make no noise.
6. When swimming at a lake or pond, if the water is clear, then it's deep enough to dive in.
7. It's safe to play in the water in a drainage ditch as long as there is no threat of rain.
8. If you get caught in an ocean current, you should swim across it rather than against it to escape.
9. When using a jet ski, you should travel with at least one other person.
10. You should avoid going tubing or rafting on a river after a heavy rain.
Online Medical Reviewer: newMentor board-certified, academically affiliated clinician
Last Review Date: 5/5/2013