Drowning is the third leading cause of death in children–and for every child who dies, four others receive emergency care for near drowning incidents. So, with summer almost upon us, water safety should be a priority. Here is a list of ways that you can prevent drowning. Check your knowledge–are you prepared for swimming safety this summer?

1. Always supervise. Never leave children unattended in any body of water for any amount of time. This includes pools, lakes, the ocean, small creeks, and even the bathtub.

1. Get swim lessons. Both adults and children should learn to swim before going into any body of water without a personal floatation device. However, swimming children should still be supervised at all times. Be aware that inner-tubes, “floaties,” “noodles,” and other inflatable swim aids are not designed to keep a swimmer afloat in an emergency situation.

1. Get CPR lessons. Drowning can occur in minutes, but paramedics may take much longer than that to arrive in time to administer CPR. Being certified in CPR could save a person’s life.

1. Install barriers and alarms. If your home has a pool, specially designed pool fences should be installed. Be sure to install an alarm on doors with access to the pool area.

1. Swim near a lifeguard. Find public swimming places with a lifeguard on duty. While this does not mean children may be left unsupervised, one more watchful eye trained in CPR and rescue methods makes water play safer.

1. Use the buddy system. Older children and adults should never swim without a partner. Even the most capable swimmers need assistance or someone to call for help in case of emergency.

1. Keep toys out of the pool. When a pool is not in use, be sure to keep all toys and flotation items out of the pool and pool area to reduce a child’s temptation to play near the pool.

1. Wear life jackets on boats. No matter the size of the boat, the distance traveled or the passengers’ swimming ability, wear U.S. Coast Guard approved jackets on a boat at all times.

1. Avoid alcohol. On average, alcohol use is involved in half of teenage and adult drowning deaths. Alcohol impairs judgment, balance, and coordination and can have deadly results in an emergency situation.

1. Be aware of your surroundings. While swimming, always make note of the weather, the depth of water you are swimming in, those around you, currents, tides, riptides and any other environmental factor that could affect your safety.

If you have any further questions about swim safety, please contact us at Plantation General Hospital. Visit our website or call Consult-a-Nurse® at 1-888-256-7724.

Sources:

Unintentional Drowning: Fact Sheet (CDC)

Safety Guidelines (Drowning Prevention Foundation)

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