Ian Jones: 6 tips for staying safe around the water this summer

Take swimming lessons

It may seem like the simplest solution, but swimming lessons are the best way to prevent drowning. “Swimming lessons are number one on my list for drowning prevention,” says Ian. He continues, “When you learn to swim, you learn to respect the water.” Ian stresses that being safe in the water is all about understanding your limits and your swimming conditions. “Swimming is a skill for life,” he says. “If you understand and know how to swim, you will feel comfortable in and around the water.” Ian continues, “And the more you’re in a body of water, the less you’re going to panic.” Floating is also a key survival skill that is learnt during swimming lessons. Ian says, “We’re all going to float on our backs for much longer than what we can swim, so it’s a very important skill to learn.” 

Learning how to swim is ideal for kids, but it’s a skill that can be learnt at all ages. If you’re interested in teaching your kids to swim, learning to swim yourself, or brushing up on your skills, contact your local council or swimming centre to see when classes are next available. 

Swim between the flags and learn how to spot a rip

Ian, first and foremost, wants everyone to know the safest places to swim. “You’re not going to get yourself into trouble if you don’t put yourself into a situation where you can get into trouble,” says Ian. He continues, “When you swim between the flags, you’re not going to drown. There have been no drownings between the flags at our patrol beaches – it’s the safest place in the world to swim.”

For those situations where it’s not possible to swim at a patrolled beach, it’s essential to know how to spot a rip. Ian says, “It’s easy to spot a rip if you know what you’re looking for. If you see a calm bit of water in the middle of the beach with waves crashing on the left- and right-hand side of it, then the calm section in the middle is the rip. So, swim to the left- or right-hand side of it,” he explains. 

However, if you find yourself caught in the rip, Ian stresses not to panic. “Rips won’t drag you under, they’re taking you for a ride, so you must remain calm, float, and you will get out of the rip.” Ian continues, “Fill your lungs up with air because that’s when you float to the surface and then ride it out. When you feel like you’re not being dragged out anymore, swim parallel to the shore or swim to breaking waves” He adds, “Remember, where there are no breaking waves, that is where the rip is.” 

Know the body of water you’re swimming in

It’s important to understand how different bodies of water will react, so you must approach the ocean, a river, or a lake differently. “Drownings can happen in any body of water,” says Ian. He continues, “There’s more salt in the ocean, so you’re going to float more than you would in a river or lake. When it comes to a river, it may look beautiful and calm, but it will have currents that wash you downstream. It will also have logs and rocks under the surface. As for lakes, they can be harder to swim in than the ocean, and it’s often a lot colder. There may also be weeds underneath or a big drop off.” And when it comes to diving, Ian urges everyone to think twice. “We all love diving off a tree or a wharf, but don’t dive without first checking what’s underneath.”  

Although there are things we must be aware of to avoid tragedies, Ian says, “It’s not about stopping people from enjoying any of these bodies of water; they just need to be aware of the different risks and approach them accordingly.”

Never swim alone

“No matter how confident a swimmer you are, it’s not great to swim alone,” urges Ian. He continues, “I’ve been a swimmer all my life, I feel confident in the water, and I respect it greatly. But I also almost exclusively swim in a group – it’s really important.” However, training in a group can add more than safety. “Training in groups is motivational, and the camaraderie between a swimming group is second to none. You pick up water skills for life, but you also pick up these friendships for life.” 

And in a case where a group member does get into trouble, “the best thing is to throw them a floatation device – if there’s a surfboard, a life jacket, a life ring or tow float nearby – throw them that rather than physically going to them. The second-best thing to do is to ask for help – is there a surfer or a lifeguard who can help? Or even call 111 if you need to. Thirdly, if you feel confident enough and they're in a rip, don’t pull them against it. Just float with them and talk them through floating on their back, riding through it, and then swimming back to the beach,” says Ian.

Think about what you’re wearing

“There are small precautions we can take to give ourselves the best chance of avoiding getting into danger – and nobody is above getting into danger,” says Ian. When Ian trains in the ocean, he wears a wetsuit most of the time to aid with floating. Ian also always wears, and highly recommends, swimming with a tow float and a bright cap, which serve a few purposes: “They make you visible to people and boats. And you can hold the float if you need to,” he says. 

When it comes to other activities by the water, it’s best to think about what you're wearing. “If you’re going swimming after a hot day after work, and you just want to jump into the tide, but you haven't got your togs, don’t go in with your jeans and shirt,” says Ian. He continues, “And when you go fishing on the rocks, wear a lifejacket.” For those swimming in pools, you must also think about what you have by your side to prevent tragedies. “If you’re the adult or supervisor, it is your job to have a floatation device close by to throw to someone if they start to panic in the pool,” says Ian. 

Don’t get overly confident

Being overly confident while approaching water can lead to problematic situations. “I respect the water greatly, and I know my limits of what conditions I will and won’t go in,” says Ian. He continues, “Some New Zealanders think they’re bulletproof when they’re around other people. And not to mention how excessive alcohol can cause accidents.”

Ian believes that everyone in the community has a part to play, but the confident swimmers should be the ones setting the standards for water safety. “Those are the people who should lead by example,” he says. “They’re the ones who should be wearing the tow floats, the bright caps and swimming in groups.” He continues, “Just because you can go out in conditions that aren’t suitable for swimming doesn't mean you should. Because what it leads to is people thinking, ‘if those people are out there, then it must be okay to go out for a swim’. And when you go fishing on the rocks or out on the boat, wear a life jacket, don’t go alone, and let people know where you are – they can’t help you if they don’t know.”

Ian wants to remind us all that confidence doesn’t mean recklessness – and being confident in the water comes with great responsibility. So, for the most enjoyable summer for you, your family and friends, and the volunteers, take a moment to assess the water and act accordingly. For more information on water safety, visit Water Safety New Zealand.