Drew HEALTH Recommends Swimming Safety
June 23rd, 2012 by Drew County Offices
With summer our minds turn to swimming and pool activities. Safety should be our first thought before beginning our summer swim fun. According to the Centers for Disease Control drowning may be one of the most remorseful fatal accidents to occur because it can be entirely preventable.
If you own a pool or spa, you should make sure they are updated with anti-entrapment drain covers, barriers and rescue equipment. Follow these tips from the National Drowning Prevention Alliance for pool safety and a less risky summer!
Consider All ‘Children’ at Risk
What age group is most at risk for drowning? Young children and teens are at greatest risk for drowning. Statistically, children under 5 and adolescents between the ages of 15 and 24 have the highest drowning rates. In fact, a swimming pool is 14 times more likely than a motor vehicle to be involved in the death of a child under the age 4.
Adult Supervision Means Uninterrupted Focus on the Pool & Swimmers
At all times. Keep your eyes and ears focused on swimmers. Drownings occur most often in home swimming pools. Nothing can substitute for undistracted adult supervision. No distractions, not even the text message you have to look at or respond to or the phone call you need to make or take.
Learn CPR & Safe Water-Rescue Techniques
You know that class in first-aid or CPR you’ve been meaning to sign up for? Sign up for them today.
Enroll Your Children in Swim Lessons & Water Safety Education
This is always a good idea, whether or not you own a pool. Most children go swimming in the summertime. They need to learn the proper techniques for swimming and water safety. Do not, however, let the fact that your children have had lessons give you a false sense of security. The unexpected can happen.
Don’t Swim Alone
This rule goes way back, but it still holds up. It’s a good rule for children and adults who aren’t accustomed to swimming or who might have health issues that could impair their ability to swim safely by themselves.
The Drew HEALTH Coalition meets monthly to develop and implement plans to create healthier communities, including topics such as health and safety in outdoor activities. If you are interested in addressing health issues, we invited you to attend our monthly meetings. For more information contact Karen Brown at 870-367-6234.
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