Healthy Living: Water Safety
Drowning is a silent killer. Did you know that according to the Centers for Disease
Control and Prevention (2011) every day, about 10 people die from unintentional drowning
and that of these, two are children aged 14 or younger? Or that drowning is the 6th leading cause of unintentional injury death for people of all ages, and it is the
2nd leading cause of death for children ages 1 to 14 years of age? Or that nonfatal
drownings can cause brain damage that may result in long-term disabilities including
memory problems, learning disabilities, and permanent loss of basic functioning (e.g.,
permanent vegetative state)? Please dont be fooled, you will never hear a person
who is in serious trouble in the water. Instead, they will silently slip beneath
the waters surface and be gone from our lives, just that quick!
So, while playing in cold water during the hot summer months may seem like a great way for many people to cool off and rejuvenate themselves, there can be hidden dangers that you must be prepared for. Whether you like to go swimming, boating, fishing, or rafting it is important to be observant and stay safe throughout these fun and relaxing activities. This months article will focus on water safety and what you can do to keep yourself and your loved ones safe in the water.
General Water Safety Tips
The following is a list of safety suggestions that all families should observe when they are around water:
Learn to swim
Swim in areas supervised by a lifeguard
Non-swimmers: wear a flotation device when around water
Never leave the room when children are in the tub
Know that a baby bath seat or ring wont keep children from drowning
Empty and turn over all buckets as soon as you are done using them
Do not swim if you are too: tired, cold, or far from safety
Set water safety rules for the whole family
Be knowledgeable of the water environment and its potential hazards
Pay attention to local weather conditions and forecasts
Use a feet-first entry when entering water
Do not dive unless it is clearly marked
Do not mix alcohol with swimming, diving, or boating
Know how to prevent, recognize and respond to water emergencies Parents should take a CPR class
Enroll your children in a water safety course
Dont rely on flotation devices to keep your children safe in the water
Maintain constant supervision in any water environment
Beach Safety Tips The following is a list of safety suggestions that all families should observe when
they are at the beach: Protect your skin from sun burns
Drink plenty of water even if you dont feel thirsty
Teach kids never to swim alone
Watch for signs of heat stroke
Wear eye protection
Wear foot protection
Boating Safety Tips The following is a list of safety suggestions that all families should observe when
they are sailing, fishing, or around watercraft: Learn to swim
Alcohol and boating dont mix
Use only U.S. Coast Guard-approved life jackets when boating and fishing
Develop a float plan in case of emergencies
Fins a boating course in your area
Watch the weather
Home Pools Tips The following is a list of safety suggestions that all families should observe when
they are around backyard or public pools: Learn to swim
Never leave a child unobserved around water
Keep a cordless or cell phone nearby the pool in case of emergency
Learn Red Cross CPR and insist all caregivers for your child know it, too
Post CPR instructions and 9-1-1 or local emergency number in the pool area
Enclose the pool with a self-locking, self-closing fence with vertical bars
Never leave a gate to the pool open
Teach kids to stay away from pool and hot tub drains
Keep a first aid kit at poolside
Never assume someone else is watching a child in a pool area
Never leave furniture near the pool fence
Always keep basic lifesaving equipment by the pool and know how to use it
Keep toys away from the pool when it is not in use
Pool covers should always be completely removed prior to pool use
If a child is missing, always check the pool first
Lakes and Rivers Safety Tips The following is a list of safety suggestions that all families should observe when
they are fishing, boating, or rafting on lakes or rivers: Learn to swim
Select a supervised area
Select an area that is clean and well-maintained
Select an area that has good water quality and safe natural conditions
Dont let kids operate personal watercraft such as jet skis
Make sure the water is deep enough before entering head-first
Be sure rafts and docks are in good condition
Avoid drainage ditches and arroyos for water run-off
Suggested References : Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, National Center for injury Prevention
and Control. Web-based Injury Statistics Query and Reporting System (WISQARS) [online].
[cited 2011 Apr 6]. Available from: http://www.cdc.gov/injury/wisqars Health and safety tips: Water safety tips (2012). The American National Red Cross. Water safety (2012). Safe Kids, USA. Water safety tips (2012). International Swimming Hall of Fame (ISHOF). Water safety updates (2012). National Water Safety Month. Questions or Comments? Please contact: Sabra Jacobs, Professor of Psychology, Big Sandy Community and Technical
College, 1 Bert T. Combs Drive, Prestonsburg, KY 41653; email sabra.jacobs@kctcs.edu ; call (606) 889-4778; or stop by my office Pike Building, room 209 f on the Prestonsburg
Campus.
