Water Safety Tips For Seniors

By James Bennett | April 22, 2022 |

May is Water Safety Month, which is appropriate since it’s the unofficial start of the summer swimming season. Swimming is a fantastic exercise for seniors because it’s low impact and it improves cardiovascular health and burns a lot of calories. Swimming is often recommended for seniors who have mobility challenges because the water makes it easy for them to exercise without pain. But, seniors do have some special challenges that require them to take some safety precautions if they are going to be swimming. A home care provider is a great companion for trips to the pool or the lake in the summer if you can’t be with your senior loved one.

The most recommended water safety tips for seniors and their home care aides to follow are:

Home Care Duncan SC – Water Safety Tips For Seniors

Don’t Swim Alone

Even experienced swimmers can get into trouble in the water. A stray wave can swamp them, or they may suddenly feel dizzy or weak. Seniors should never swim alone in case they find themselves in a situation where they need help. Having a home care provider accompany a senior is a great way for your senior loved one to always have someone they can count on in the immediate area.

Wear Sunscreen

Seniors should wear sunscreen every time they go outside. The summer sun can be extremely damaging to senior skin. But in the water sunscreen can wash off more quickly and the UV rays from the sun can be more intense because of the water. Seniors who are going to swim should wear waterproof and sweatproof sunscreen and reapply it as often as necessary to keep themselves protected. A home care provider can help your senior loved one during their swim by making sure they regularly apply sunscreen and are as protected from the sun as possible.

Bring Snacks

Seniors who are swimming will burn a lot of calories and they may find that their blood sugar is dipping after vigorous swimming. Seniors should always bring some healthy snacks to the pool and take the time to stop and snack throughout the day. Healthy pool snacks that are easy to transport to the pool are snacks like protein bars and shakes, granola bars, or fruit. Your senior loved one should be drinking water throughout the day too, just not pool water! Bottled water and snacks are essential for any pool outing.

A Cover Up

Seniors need some sun appropriate clothing to protect their skin when they’re not swimming. A light long sleeved shirt and light pants are a good option. So is a light robe or oversized shirt that is made from a breathable fabric like cotton or linen. When not in the pool or lake seniors should focus on keeping their face, arms, and legs covered to protect them from the sun.

Stay Near The Dock

Seniors who are swimming in a lake should always stay near the shore or near the dock that people use for diving. Otherwise people might have a hard time getting to your senior loved one if they suddenly find themselves in a situation where they need help. Seniors should also wear life jackets or floatation devices if they are going to be swimming in a lake.

**If you or an aging loved one are considering hiring Home Care Services in Duncan SC, please contact the caring staff at Upstate Home Care Solutions today. Call (864) 527-0455.**

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James Bennett

Owner at Upsate Home Care Solutions

James Bennett is a native of Taylors, SC. A graduate of Riverside High School, he attended Clemson University where he earned a Bachelor of Science in Packing Science. Upon graduation, he commenced on a career path in food manufacturing with Nestle Frozen Foods (1999 – 2008) and Country Fresh, Inc. (2008 – 2011). When James was only 12, his father, at the age of 37, was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis (MS).With both an ailing father and a grandmother suffering from several medical conditions, James Bennett and his family were able to unify and provide their loved ones with the home care they needed. Their family structure and consistent schedule were key aspects in providing care. Unfortunately, not all families have the structure, resources, or flexibility to provide the home care their loved one desires. James understands the difficulties families and caregivers encounter while providing and caring for loved ones. A loving son, husband, and father who understands the need to help families, James created Upstate Home Health Care Solutions, LLC in 2011 to fill in the gap for families who need caring individuals to assist with a loved one’s home care needs.

• Greenville Chamber of Commerce Minority Business of the Year 2017
• Greenville Chamber of Commerce Minority Business Accelerator (MBA) Program participant 2017
• Greenville Chamber of Commerce MBA Excellence Award Recipient 2017
• Featured on the cover Upstate Business Journal June 2016
• Community Works Economic Impact Award 2016
• Board Member of Ten at the Top (TATT) and Fire Pit Ranch (FPR)
• Member of Upstate Senior Network, Greenville & Spartanburg Chapters
• Member of the Healthcare division of the Greenville Chamber of Commerce
• Member of the Better Business Bureau
• Staff member of Palmetto Boys State sponsored by the American Legion
• Member of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity Inc.