The number one cause of accidental death is preventable!
Safety Facts –
Drowning Rescue
Only if you are a trained lifeguard should you attempt a swimming rescue. Even if you know how to swim a little, you are not qualified to rescue another swimmer in trouble unless you have taken a Y, Red Cross or equivalent course in water rescue.
In particular, you are not to jump in the water. Trained lifeguards themselves do this only as a last resort. OK?
So what can a non-swimmer do?
You can help out with a "nonswimmers rescue" this way:
•If the drowning victim is close enough, extend a pole, broom handle, branch, boat oar, an arm or leg (yours) or even a towel to grab on to.
•If you decide to pull the victim out, (and you'll judge for yourself if this is appropriate), stay down low, hold onto something solid and lean your weight back to avoid being pulled into the water by the victim.
•If the drowning victim is too far away for you to reach, you can toss a life preserver or anything that floats for their support. Then call for help immediately.
Safety Facts –
Drowning Prevention
As someone fearful of water, you are the last person to go near it without being prepared. Even before you take swimming lessons you can and must drownproof yourself and your family, dear friends.
Water safety tips for all ages:
•You and all family members must wear a Coast Guard-approved personal floatation device (PFD) or life jacket when on a boat for sailing, fishing or other water activities. Good for you if you may know how to swim; the PFD is required in many states for good solid safety reasons, however. The fit of a life jacket is vital, especially for a child.
•Always swim with another competent swimmer. Always have someone on land close by and watching you.
•If a child is swimming or playing near the water, an adult must be at arm's reach and watching at all times. This rules out reading, chatting on the phone and drinking alcohol. Keep a phone handy, however, near any pool.
•Air-filled water toys such as water wings, mattresses and other plastic inflatibles are not life preservers! They are toys only, and are made to deflate.
•Pool toys belong in a pool's shallow end for non-swimmers to safely play with them, wearing their PFDs, of course. Empty pools should never have tempting toys in or near them.
•All pools need a 5-foot fence around their 4 sides. Gate latches must be taller than a child, and must self-close and self-latch.
•No drug or alcohol use before or during swimming, boating or water skiing. Teenagers especially need to learn about the dangers of alcohol and water sports.
•Know how deep the water is before jumping or diving in. The American Red Cross recommends at least 9 feet of depth. This means that above-ground pools can't be dived into. Safest still, just ease yourself in feet first from the pool edge from a sitting position, even if you can see the bottom.
•Eat or chew gum only after leaving the water. Both are a choking hazard during water activities.
•Leave the water once you feel chilly. If your fingers and toes look blue or feel numb, it could mean the onset of hypothermia.
•Know how to use cardio-pulmonary resuscitation (CPR).
•Of course, you and your family will be taking swimming lessons!
Links to water safety resources:
•Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (SAFE USA)
http://www.cdc.gov/safeusa/water/water.htm
•The National Swim Schools Association
http://www.nationalswimschools.com/watersafety%20page.htm
•The American Academy of Pediatrics Injury Prevention Program
http://www.aap.org/family/tipppool.htm
•The NFPA (National Fire Protection Association) has a Risk Watch program
http://www.nfpa.org/education/Professional_Educators/RW/parent_water.html
