Water Safety

Hi Everybody,

Today we're going to talk about water safety. Because we're Water Dogs, we spend lots of time in and around water. Playing in water can be so much fun, but there are some things you and your peeps can do to make sure that you're safe while you enjoy the wet stuff.

Ok, let's say you're going to the pond or lake or the ocean and let's start with getting there. If you're lucky enough to get to ride on a boat and feel the wind in your furs, be sure you sit or stand nice and still. Your peeps will be busy watching where they're going and you need to stay put so you don't fall overboard.

That brings me to the proper water safety attire. Yeah, I know it feels best to go skinny dipping, but sometimes you need to put safety first. Some of us wear vests. They're bright colors making it easy to spot us in the water. They also give some floating support to inexperienced swimmers.

Morgan wears one because she's old and gets tired easily. The vest helps her swim so she doesn't have to exert so much energy.

Those of us who are experienced swimmers wear water harnesses. They're made for water competition so they fit nicely and give our legs freedom in the water. The most important thing about both vests and harnesses is that they have handles on the backs. So if you fall off the boat, your peep can grab the handle and haul you back in. Believe me, it works. Dad has had to pull some of us out of the water by the handle.

Next thing, if you're swimming at a place where people fish, you might find some great smelling fish parts on the beach. I know you'll be tempted to roll in them or eat them but DON'T DO IT. Those wonderful smelling fishy parts can contain one of these, a hook. These things can cut and rip your skin and if you swallow one, you'll soon be at the vet's office getting cut open. So, DON'T DO IT!

When you're swimming and especially if you're retrieving toys, it's easy to drink lots of extra water. Remember, all that extra water has to come out again later, so try not to gulp down lots of it.

If you're swimming in a pool, be sure you take time to see where the stairs or ramps are. When you're done swimming, you'll want to get out of the pool and if you haven't checked ahead of time, you won't know where to go to get out. Never swim in a pool, or anywhere for that matter, without your peeps around. Then if you get in trouble they can help you.

After swimming in a pool or at the ocean, have your peeps rinse you off with clean water. Chlorine can hurt your furs and salt can hurt your skin, so you need to rinse them off.

Drinking salt water can make you barf. Try to limit the amount of salt you take in. If you swim in a pond or someplace where the water doesn't move much and is in the sun, have you peeps check for 'blue green algae'. It grows in hot weather in still water and it can kill a dog if he swallows it. If you see blue green algae, don't go in the water.

If you can't get to a beach or a pool, you can still enjoy water play.  A wading pool can be lots of fun. You can splash water all over everyone standing close by.

 If there's no wading pool available, ask your person to turn on the hose or better yet hook up a sprinkler. It's great fun to run thru a sprinkler and try to catch the water drops. It's pretty safe, too. 

 You and your peeps can have a great time playing in and with water if you just just think about safety and follow a few rules.  Here for your viewing pleasure is a little film featuring some of our Portuguese cousins having some water fun. Grab some popcorn and enjoy!

Your pal, Fudge