Phone Safety Tips for Water Activities in Wesley Chapel

Wesley Chapel residents visiting beaches, pools or rivers this fall can use their smartphones as vital safety tools, but only when used correctly. Watermelon Swim, a local water safety advocate, shared six key tips for a safe and enjoyable experience around water.

The advice balances using a phone's capabilities with avoiding distractions that can lead to accidents. Keep your phone within arm's reach whenever you are near water. Whether at the beach, on a paddleboard, or supervising children at the backyard pool, an accessible phone allows for immediate calls for help in an emergency. Accidents happen quickly, and time spent searching for a phone can be critical.

Conversely, avoid distractions. Watermelon Swim advises against scrolling through social media feeds, which can cause users to lose track of time and attention. A vigilant water watcher needs to keep their eyes on those in the water, not on a screen. Turning off notifications or engaging 'Do Not Disturb' mode is essential. Constant buzzes and dings divert focus from the present moment, hindering effective swimmer supervision. Even taking non-emergency phone calls can divert attention and lead to a lapse in supervision.

Beyond avoiding distractions, phones offer proactive safety features. Use a weather app to monitor radar. Florida's weather changes rapidly; advance notice of approaching storms provides crucial time to get everyone to safety. For those venturing onto open water, share your location with a trusted loved one before departing. Including a basic float plan—detailing destination, route, and expected return time—can significantly aid search efforts if an emergency occurs.

Phones are powerful tools that can enhance water safety when used intentionally. Keep them close for emergencies and weather checks, and put them away when supervision is needed to ensure they serve as a benefit, not a hazard.