THE SHARE FACTOR
Summer Swimming Safety
Social Media and the Insurance Company
Social media plays a big role in our daily lives. Many of us use online social media to communicate with family and friends or share the day’s events. However, while you may only care about communicating with family and friends, much of what you share can end up in the public space. If someone wanted to learn more about you — such as a potential new employer — chances are they can find what they’re looking for. But potential employers aren’t the only people snooping. After a car wreck or any other accident where you file a claim with an insurance company, that insurance company will want to know what you’re up to. This means they may monitor your social media activity. It’s always a good idea to take a break from social media after an accident or injury. The insurance company will look for anything they can use to deny your claim. All you have to do is make a post or share a photo that indicates your injuries may not be all they seem. Let’s say you’re involved in a car accident and you take time off work to deal with doctor visits and recovery. You have medical bills you need to be covered on top of the cost of taking care of your car. However, during this time off, you go out with friends for a night out. While you’re enjoying yourself, you or a friend snap a few pictures and posts them to Facebook or Instagram. In the photos, you appear to be having a great time with no indication you’re injured. You might think you are posting a perfectly innocent photo, but the insurance company can take that image and try to turn it against you. They may argue that if you’re well enough for a night out, your injuries must not be that bad or that you might not even be injured. You’ll be in a position to prove that you were indeed injured. When it comes to posting online, always use your best judgment with what you share. On top of that, be sure to check and update your social media sharing preferences. You have control over who can see your posts. Securing your accounts and being careful about what you share can make a difference when it comes to your claim.
3 Tips for Swimming in Open Water
There’s nothing like taking a dip in a nearby pond, lake, or even the ocean. For many, it’s a summertime tradition. However, swimming in open bodies of water brings certain safety risks, as these environments are not nearly as controlled as public, club, or backyard pools. Everyone should follow these tips to have a fun and safe time cooling off under the summer sun. Never Swim Alone. When you swim in virtually any body of water, having someone there to keep an eye on you can be a lifesaver: the more people, the better. Stick to bodies of water with a professional lifeguard on duty when possible, though that’s not always an option. When swimming in open bodies of water, have a “designated spotter” to keep an eye on the swimmers. This way, you’re prepared if anything bad happens. It’s also a great idea to keep flotation devices nearby, such as life jackets, life rings, foam boards, etc. Know What You’re Getting Into. Sometimes, it’s next to impossible to see what’s under the surface of the water. If you are unfamiliar with a body of water, don’t jump or dive in without knowing how deep it is. If you cannot confirm what is under the surface (and the spot is not a known diving location), don’t risk it. It may be okay to swim or wade, but jumping is out of the question. Along these same lines, be VERY careful around bodies of slow-moving or standing water. These can house dangerous microbes and other contaminants that can make you ill and potentially be deadly. Watch for Rip Currents. These can occur at any beach without warning. They pull swimmers away from shore and are strong enough that even excellent swimmers struggle to get through them. In fact, rip currents are behind nearly 80% of beach rescues. Keep an eye on the foam at the surface of the water. If it seems to suddenly pull away from the beach, there’s a good chance a rip current is lurking beneath. If you find yourself in a rip current, it’s crucial to remain calm and avoid expending energy swimming directly back to shore. Instead, try swimming parallel to the shore until you’re out of the current.
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