Every summer, thousands of people flock to swimming pools to beat the heat and enjoy some fun in the sun. However, many of these individuals are at risk of drowning or near-drowning. According to recent statistics, an average of 10 people die each day from drowning in the United States, and one in five of these deaths are children under the age of 14.

Even Older Children and Adults Must Think About Water and Pool Safety

It is essential to understand that drowning can happen to anyone, regardless of age or swimming experience. Even older children and adults must think about water and pool safety. Many older children and adults assume that they are too old to drown, or that they are experienced swimmers, but this is not always the case. It is important for everyone to stay aware and take safety precautions around water.

Many older children and adults may have a false sense of security around water, and they may engage in risky behaviors such as diving in unfamiliar areas or swimming in deep water when they are not able to handle the conditions. This can lead to dangerous situations and potential drowning. It is important for everyone to remain aware of their own swimming abilities and to be cautious around water, regardless of age or experience.

The Younger the Child, the Greater the Risk

Children, especially those under the age of five, are at a much higher risk of drowning than older individuals. This is because young children have not yet developed the physical strength and coordination to keep themselves afloat in water. They also have a lack of understanding of the dangers of water and may not recognize when they are in a dangerous situation. For this reason, it is essential for parents and caregivers to always keep a close eye on young children around water, even if they are experienced swimmers.

It is also important to note that young children can also be at risk of drowning in as little as an inch of water. Children can easily fall into a bucket of water, a toilet, or a small pond, and can quickly become submerged and unable to get out. Therefore, it is essential for parents and caregivers to be aware of potential hazards in the home and around the community, and to take necessary precautions to prevent young children from accessing these hazards.

Distractions Make for Tragedies

Distractions can be a major cause of accidents around water, including drowning. When we are around water, it’s easy to become distracted by a phone, a book, or a conversation, but it is important to remember that even a few seconds of distraction can lead to a tragic outcome. Drowning can happen quickly and silently, and it is essential to be aware of the people around us and the activities they are doing in the water.

Distractions can also come in the form of children and other people who may be playing and splashing around. It is important to be aware of their activities and movements, especially if they are young children who may be at a higher risk of drowning. It is essential to be mindful of the people around us and avoid distractions as much as possible when we are around water.

Safety Tips to Prevent Drowning

To prevent drowning, there are several steps that can be taken. Here are a few safety tips to keep in mind:

  1. Don’t go in the water unless you know how to swim; swim lessons are available for all ages. This advice is important because swimming is a skill that requires practice and knowledge to be done safely. Without the ability to swim, an individual is at a much higher risk of drowning. Swim lessons can teach the necessary skills and safety measures to prevent drowning.
  2. Never swim alone. This advice is important because swimming with a buddy can greatly reduce the risk of drowning. If something were to happen, such as fatigue or cramps, a buddy can provide assistance or call for help. Additionally, swimming with a buddy can provide an extra set of eyes to watch for potential hazards.
  3. Learn CPR and rescue techniques. This advice is important because in the event of a drowning, immediate action is crucial. Knowing CPR and rescue techniques can potentially save a life and the more people know how to perform them, the greater the chance of survival.
  4. Make sure the body of water matches your skill level. Swimming in a pool is much different than swimming in a lake or river, where more strength is needed to handle currents. This advice is important because different bodies of water have different hazards and challenges. For example, swimming in a pool is much different than swimming in a lake or river, where more strength is needed to handle currents. Knowing the skill level needed and matching it with the body of water can help prevent accidents.
  5. If you do get caught in a current, don’t try to fight it; stay calm and float with it, or swim parallel to the shore until you can swim free. This advice is important because fighting against a current can exhaust an individual quickly and make it harder to escape. Instead, by remaining calm and floating with the current or swimming parallel to the shore, it can help the individual to escape the current and reach safety.
  6. Swim in areas supervised by a lifeguard. This advice is important because lifeguards are trained professionals who are equipped to handle emergencies and provide assistance in the event of a drowning. They can also provide helpful advice and guidance to swimmers to ensure their safety.
  7. Don’t push or jump on others. This advice is important because pushing or jumping on others can cause injury or panic, which can lead to a drowning. It is important to respect the personal space and safety of others in the water.
  8. Don’t dive in unfamiliar areas. This advice is important because diving into unfamiliar areas can be dangerous and lead to injury. The depth of the water and the condition of the bottom may be unknown, and diving into shallow water can cause serious injury.
  9. Never drink alcohol when swimming; alcohol is involved in about half of all male teen drownings, according to KidsHealth.org. This advice is important because alcohol impairs judgment and coordination, which can lead to dangerous behavior and accidents in the water. It can also contribute to hypothermia and other health complications. It is important to avoid alcohol when engaging in any water activities.

In conclusion, drowning is a serious problem that can happen to anyone, regardless of age or swimming experience. By following the safety tips above and always being vigilant around water, we can reduce the number of drowning incidents and ensure that everyone stays safe this summer. Remember to always swim with a buddy, learn CPR and rescue techniques, and never let your guard down around water. Have a safe summer!