Posted on 06/03/2021
As summer vacation approaches, so does peak season for both swimming and drowning. I know, that's not a very positive way to look at it, and no one wants to put a damper on your summer fun; but a drowning accident can definitely do much more than spoil an otherwise good day at the beach. In Part 1 of this series, we looked at a few key ways to help reduce your children's risk of drowning: communicating with them about the risks, eliminating any hazards, and insisting on swimming lessons. Now we'll look at a few tips for swimming days, helping reduce risk as well as to respond appropriately in case of an emergency.
Family Water Safety Steps: Get CPR Training
No one wants to think about the "what ifs." While it is not healthy to focus on them, being prepared for emergencies is wise. The National CPR Association points out that every second counts and can make a difference between life and death in an emergency. Unlike the way that it's often portrayed in movies, drowning is typically a quick but silent killer. If a person drowns, that person will often lose consciousness after they are unable to breathe. As a result, they are unable to provide their body with enough oxygen; however, when a drowning victim is given CPR immediately, their chances of being fully revived increase dramatically. You can take a class from the National CPR Association free of charge; if you wish to be certified, though, there is a fee associated with that designation.
The Red Cross also offers training in CPR as well as a more general water safety class and other safety classes that include CPR training.
Family Water Safety Steps: Take Lifeguard Duty Seriously
I know: parents want to just be able to relax at the pool too. When a lot of adults are around, everyone tends to assume that someone else is keeping a close eye on the kids; and that kind of assumption is precisely the problem. To help avoid this kind of assumption, you can be proactive about taking turns being on lifeguard duty. (After all, what good is it if you know how to perform CPR but aren't even aware when there's a need for it?!) Parents can take turns, setting a timer for a designated amount of time, so everyone can still have time to visit and relax.
Whoever is on lifeguard duty should position themselves where they can see everyone who is in the water. That person should also avoid any distractions and do occasional headcounts. The person on lifeguard duty doesn't necessarily have to know CPR, but he or she should know who in the group is trained in CPR and where that person is at all times.
Continue reading with Part 3.
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