Drowning Prevention – Part II

Last week we started our discussion about drowning, including some important facts about drowning and some of the risk factors. Today, we’ll talk about things you can do to help decrease the risk of drowning.

• Anywhere there is water, there is risk of drowning, especially for children.
• Anyone can drown.
• Drowning is silent and can happen in as little as 20-60 seconds.
• Drowning is a leading cause of death for children in the US.

• It is important to use physical barriers to restrict access to water and alarms to alert you if a child has accessed the water.
• Pools, hot tubs, and spas should have a 4-sided fence with minimum height 48-60″ above grade, with self-closing, self-latching gates. Your local municipality likely has specific requirements.
• Pool and spa covers should be used when not in use. They should meet safety standards, be maintained properly, and any rainwater that collects on them should be removed promptly.
• Pool alarms that sound immediately when the pool is entered should be professionally installed.

• Never leave children without adult supervision when there is water around, even for 30 seconds. NEVER leave a child in charge of supervising other children around water.
• Swim near a lifeguard whenever possible.
• If a child is missing, always check the water first! Time is crucial!
• When in or around water, always have a responsible adult assigned to constantly supervise children, without engaging in any other activities (not reading, or using a phone). Rotate watchers every 15-20 minutes to stay fresh.
• When in the water, an adult should be within arm’s length of children under 5, and any child who does not have good water skills.

• Everyone should learn to swim. This is not an instinctive skill. Everyone needs swimming lessons.
• Make swimming the first sport your child ever learns. They can start at age 1.
• Adults should also take lessons if they don’t know how to swim. Children whose parents know how to swim have a lower risk of drowning.
• Look for swim programs that have experienced, certified instructors. They should also teach basic water safety, including teaching kids what to do if they end up in the water unexpectedly.

• Kids and adults should always wear a US Coast Guard life jack in and around natural bodies of water and when boating. They are only effective if worn BEFORE someone enters the water.
• Make sure the life jacket fits properly, particularly for children.
• Arm bands, inner tubes, or other inflatable water toys SHOULD NEVER be used as a substitute for a life jacket.
• Wearing a life jacket IS NOT a substitute for adult supervision.
• Wearing a life jacket IS NOT a substitute for swimming lessons.

• Knowing how to prepare for a water-related incident can mean the difference between life and death!
• Keep a phone by the pool, preferably a landline.
• Learn and practice CPR.
• Pool owners should take a water safety course that teaches proper rescue techniques.
• Every pool, including home pools, should have proper rescue equipment. This includes a reaching and throwing devices for quick rescue, posted CPR instructions, a breathing mask, and a well-stocked first aid kit.
• If a child is missing, always check the water first! This is worth another mention, because every second counts.