or even your own -- when swimming in a pool or at the beach? What about if you're out on your boat? Have you stocked up on your emergency equipment such as life vests and flares? Most people are not prepared for such situations; leaving an opportunity for disasters to occur.

But, chairman of the Water Safety Council Mark Selley said the council is definitely prepared for the season.

"The advertising campaign is well underway and we have been around to schools to distribute colouring books to primary 3 and 4. The colouring book programme has been in place for 20 years and it works because the kids are drawn to the pictures and every page has a simple water safety message.

"Caregivers and guardians should never let children in pools out of their sight, not even for two seconds.

"Pool gates must have child proof latches and pool areas must be completely enclosed and comply with building and planning codes which are very astringent,'' Mr. Selley said.

"Teaching infants and children how to swim at an early age can save an awful lot of heartache and worry. For anyone looking after children it is recommended that they are familiar with CPR or resuscitation procedures. These courses are available through the St. John's Ambulance Brigade and the EMT Association at the King Edward VII Memorial Hospital.'' Mr. Selley also gave several helpful safety suggestions when swimming at the beach.

He said beachgoers should check weather conditions before entering the water -- especially looking out for dangerous surf conditions and undertows or RIP currents which can pull you under the surface.

"Always stay in close and swim together. Swimming at the beach is more exhausting than one would expect so if an incident should arise and someone needs to be rescued, alert someone else's attention right away who may be feeling a little stronger than yourself, to come to your aid.

"You should also swim on beaches where a lifeguard is posted if you don't feel safe.'' Mr. Selley also asked the public to not abuse the lifeguards as they are there to do a job, not to babysit. "They are very worthwhile'', he added.

"The lifeguard programme is also well underway with the addition of Clearwater,'' Mr. Selley said.

He added: "The boating public is in place with safety gear because marine police will be enforcing compliance with regulations, especially on holidays, with spot checks.

"These checks are meant to be helpful, not a hindrance, and we ask the public not to get aggravated or annoyed by them as it is their safety that the police are concerned about.'' Mr. Selley said the major thing the boating public is being asked to do is to keep at five knots within 100 metres (the length of a football pitch) and make no waves. "That is the law and has been for five years.'' He also cautioned against bow riding. This is an activity that is highly dangerous and involves children or adults sitting on the front of the boat with their feet dangling over the side. Sudden waves can cause someone to fall over, especially at speed.

"I would also encourage infants and young children to wear life jackets at all times. This gets then used to the idea of wearing them even when they get older.

"Get safety gear on your boat at the beginning of the summer which includes updating from time to time items such as flares and distress rockets. A list the safety gear you should have on your boat is available from the department of Marine and Ports.'' Mr. Selley also discussed navigating after dark.

"There are always hazards in the water that cannot be seen. Recommendations by the council are to check all navigational lights before setting off and to drive slowly -- remembering that a boat has no breaks and that speeds in access of 15 knots constitutes dangerous driving.'' On the issue of jet skis, Mr. Selley said it is important to know that they too are considered to be boats and should also carry safety gear although allowances have been made under the Marine Safety Regulations Act for certain items to be exempted.

"Jet ski operators need to stay clear of beaches and congested swimming areas and they along with all boaters need to slow to an idle (no waves) when passing boats that are tied up or docked, especially at fuel stations,'' Mr.

Selley said.

ALWAYS ON GUARD -- Not just sunbathing, but always ready to spring into action. Pictured (front row) are lifeguards Glen Davis (left) and Richard Forehead (right) and Jason Curry.

SAVING A LIFE -- Lifeguards have to have the speed, energy and patience to deal with any problem that occurs while people are swimming. Pictured during a lifeguard drill is Richard Forehead.