According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, approximately 10 people die from unintentional drowning every day in the United States. As the summer season is already upon us, it’s crucial to be mindful of safety measures around swimming pools and beaches.
Swimming Pool Safety
When it comes to swimming pools, safety is paramount. Children should always be supervised by an adult who knows how to swim. It’s also recommended to:
- Have a pool fence of at least four feet high, equipped with self-closing and self-latching gates to prevent unsupervised access.
- Regularly checking the pool for any potential hazards such as sharp objects or slippery surfaces is essential.
- Store pool chemicals safely out of children’s reach.
- Rules about running, diving, or rough play should be clearly communicated and enforced before any swimming occurs.
Beach Safety
The beach, with its vast expanse of sand and sea, also poses potential dangers. To ensure you and your loved ones are as safe as possible:
- Always swim in areas supervised by lifeguards and obey their instructions. Pay attention to their flag system; a red flag usually means it’s unsafe to swim due to high surf or strong currents.
- Do not swim alone, and keep a close watch on children and elderly persons.
- Be aware of the potential dangers of marine life like jellyfish and sharks, and learn about the local marine creatures before swimming.
- Remember to apply sunblock regularly to protect yourself from harmful UV radiation and stay hydrated.
It is essential that you always be aware of your surroundings and follow the stated rules and regulations.
RipTide Safety
Rip tides, or rip currents, can be especially dangerous for unprepared swimmers. They are powerful, fast-moving channels of water that can drag a swimmer away from the shore.
If you ever find yourself caught in a rip tide, remember to remain calm and conserve your energy. Do not try to swim against the riptide, as this can lead to exhaustion. Instead, swim parallel to the shore until you are out of the rip current, then swim back to shore. If you are unable to swim out of the rip current, float or tread water and signal for help.
Always be mindful of the potential presence of rip currents, especially if there are no lifeguards present.
Responding to Drowning Incidents
In the unfortunate event that someone is drowning, immediate and appropriate action is crucial:
- Call for help right away. Ensure that someone has dialed emergency services.
- If the person is close enough and it’s safe to do so, reach out to them with a pole or stick. If not, throw them a flotation device. If a boat is available, row out to them.
- Only as a last resort, if you’re a strong swimmer and well-trained in lifesaving techniques, should you go into the water to perform a swimming rescue.
REMEMBER – Your safety is paramount – you cannot help others if you become a victim yourself.
Once the person is out of the water, commence CPR if necessary and keep them warm until professional medical help arrives.
For those interested in learning how to perform CPR correctly, the American Heart Association offers a comprehensive guide.
