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Never swim alone, and always let someone on shore know when you or your group should be expected back.
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Keep tabs on family and friends in the water, and especially children. Drowning can take place in as little as 20 seconds, and often occurs silently with someone unknowingly slipping under the water.
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Swim only in designated areas, and respect any other precautions or warnings set forth by the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department.
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Be careful even while swimming close to shore, as most drowning accidents usually occur within about 50 feet from land.
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Learn to perform CPR or get certified in First Aid if you frequently swim in lakes. The American Red Cross offers many classes and certification options.
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For those who are not strong swimmers, the very young, or elderly, make sure they wear a U.S. Coast Guard-approved life jacket while in the water.
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Check that open wounds or sores are properly bandaged in waterproof dressing, as natural waters are not chlorinated and can harbor high levels of harmful bacteria that can lead to infection, or illness.