Drowning prevention paramount year-round

When summer heat sizzles, swimming and other water activities are popular pastimes, but behind these fun activities are dangers that threaten to turn a fun time into tragedy.

Drowning can and does occur at any age, but it especially affects the very young. The American Institute for Preventive Medicine lists drowning as the second leading cause of accidental death in the United States among children under 14 and the leading cause of accidental death for children 5 and under. For children under 4 years of age, a child is 14 times more likely to drown in a swimming pool than be killed in a vehicle accident.

The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission statistics state that 65 percent of preschooler drowning incidents occur in the child’s home pool and 33 percent at the homes of friends, neighbors or relatives.

Gary Lash, chief executive of cer for YMCA in Northwest Louisiana, said, “Most drowning accidents occur in home pools as a result of a lack of barriers to the pool area and lack of supervision. While adults and children are around water in various activities, be it family reunions, pool parties or boating, make sure there is an adult assigned to watch any children in and around the water. Not having proper otation devices, mixing alcohol with boating and not being aware of weather conditions can put people in danger around water activities. The best prevention for accidental drowning is learning to swim.”

Elaine Ramoz is a master trainer at The Swim School in Shreveport, a master trainer certi er for Swim Schools International and developer of a drowning prevention program called Pools in School. Ramoz reiterated the importance of learning to swim.

“The lack of swimming lessons can result in accidents in and around any body of water,” she said. “At The Swim School, we believe in drowning prevention through education and taking time in each lesson to teach safety skills that can save a swimmer or a buddy. Most water accidents occur in a family pool under the supervision of one or both parents.

“One of the most important safety guidelines for adults and children around the water is to be sure to never swim alone in case you are hurt while swimming by yourself. Parents should be aware that children drown silently, so taking their eye off of them is never a good idea. Also, swim lessons are not a replacement for parental supervision. Children/people who have had swim lessons can still get into trouble in the water. A supervisor is important every time you go to the pool or lake.”

In an emergency, Ramoz said it’s important for untrained rescuers to remember to “Throw, Don’t Go!” “If a swimmer is in trouble, you should throw something that oats to them and not jump in after the swimmer. Something that oats and is usually around a family’s day out at the lake is an ice chest. You can empty it and throw it to the struggling swimmer. If you do not have anything to throw, you can reach something out to them and pull them in from the water. Swimmers who get into trouble often panic and will easily take a rescuer under the water.”

The American Red Cross recommends people follow these general swimming safety tips in, on or around any body of water:

• Only swim in areas with lifeguard supervision.

• Never swim alone. Always use the buddy system.

• Only swim in designated areas and follow the posted signs and rules.

• Take extra precautions with young children or inexperienced swimmers.

• Designate one or more responsible individuals to watch children whenever they are in, on or around any body of water, even if a lifeguard is present.

• Beware of the dangers when swimmers are too tired, too cold, too far from safety or get too much strenuous activity.

• Make sure swimmers know of any potential hazards in their swimming environment and ensure that children avoid them.

• Use a feet- rst entry when entering the water to prevent spinal cord injuries and the risk of paralysis. Enter head rst only when the area is clearly marked for diving and has no obstructions.

• Do not mix alcohol with boating, swimming or diving. Alcohol impairs judgment, balance and coordination.

• Be especially cautious near moving water.

• Know how to prevent, recognize and respond to emergencies. Aquatic emergencies happen suddenly. When possible, keep a telephone or mobile phone nearby.

“Being safe around the water is not seasonal. Even though people are heading to the pool and lake more now because it is summer, accidents can happen any time of the year, especially in our region of the country,” she said.

“Year-round swim lessons and water safety information is retained when it is used often.”

– Michael Stone