Summer is around the corner – be safe around water!
When it is summer season here in Arizona, the hot days don’t seem so bad when there is a cool swimming pool around! But before we jump in with both feet, we need to keep water safety in mind. If you haven’t already, look into getting your “Water Safety” Girl Scouts badge! Here are some more tips: »» Always ask permission to swim and have an adult watch you when you go into the pool. »» Always obey pool rules. »» If you are learning to swim, ask your mom or dad to make sure your flotation devices are Coast Guard approved. »» Walk slowly in the pool area, do not run. »» Swim at the depth that is safe for you. If you are learning to swim, stay in the shallow end. »» Don’t push or jump on others. »» Don’t eat food or chew gum while in the pool. Being safe around water is very important, something that 11-year-old Gillian Perdue, a Girl Scout in troop 1576, has experienced this first-hand. Just last year, Gillian used the skills she acquired as a Junior Girl Scout to prevent a drowning. Gillian was at a pool party with her mom at a family friend’s house. While playing, Gillian kept water safety in mind—keeping a watchful eye on two-year-old Abby, who was sitting in a floating safety ring at the other end of the pool. Abby reached over to touch the water, and when she did, the floating ring flipped. Abby was submerged under water and still stuck in the ring. Gillian jumped into action. She swam to Abby, pulled her out of the water, and patted her back. Within a few moments, Abby began to cough. Gillian’s quick thinking saved a life. Great work, Gillian! Let’s all follow her example, and be safe around water.
Girl Scouts Support Soldiers Overseas! Troop 1542 got together to help pack boxes with items to be sent to troops, as part of Operation Marshmallow. Operation Marshmallow has been in existence for three years, and is a way of thanking soldiers by sending them boxes filled with hygiene items, candy and a bag of marshmallows. Anyone interested in donating items, adopting a soldier or helping pack boxes may contact the troop at 623.329.3568.
listening post
| 5 | spring 2012
For more tips about water safety, visit... www.kidshealth.org