Print the full article here!
Water can be dangerous!
-
Playing in the water is lots of fun, but always remember – water can be dangerous!
A person can drown:
-
In small amounts of water:
-
A bath tub
-
A shallow pool
-
A bucket
-
A trench or ditch
-
When other people are around
-
Quietly… without yelling or splashing
-
Quickly… in just seconds
Even if someone survives after nearly drowning:
-
They may still suffer serious health problems:
-
Brain damage
-
Memory problems
-
Breathing problems
-
Loss of movement
Who is most at risk of drowning?
-
Infants and children under age 5
-
People with seizure disorders
-
People with disabilities that:
-
Limit movement
-
Make it hard to notice danger
-
Teenagers (especially boys)
-
Men
Most drownings happen when people:
-
Swim in pools, lakes or the ocean without someone constantly watching
-
Drink alcohol while playing near water
-
Go out in a boat or raft without a life jacket
-
Leave someone who has seizures or who can’t support themselves (including babies) alone in a bathtub
How can you keep from drowning?
-
Never swim alone.
-
Use the buddy system. Always swim with a friend!
-
Always know where your buddy is.
-
Only swim in areas where:
-
A lifeguard or experienced swimmers are watching
-
It says it is safe to swim - Look for ropes or signs
-
Never dive into water if you don’t know how deep it is! Go in slowly.
-
Never swim after drinking alcohol.
-
This tip sheet will help you stay safe near water!
Wear a life jacket!
-
Always wear a life jacket at the pool, the beach or on a boat. Make sure it fits!
-
The size should be on the inside of the jacket.
-
Test the fit of your life jacket.
-
Lift your arms straight up above your head.
-
Turn your head to the right and to the left.
-
The chest portion of the jacket should not touch your chin when you turn your head.
Stay safe at the beach.
-
The beach can be fun, but the ocean is not like a swimming pool!
-
The ocean is unpredictable. Waves and currents can be dangerous.
-
Look for signs that say:
-
If it is safe to swim.
-
Where it is safe to swim.
-
Check what the weather will be like before you go.
-
“Sneaker” waves can be dangerous.
-
Sneaker waves are bigger than normal waves. They can pull people into the water without warning.
-
Protect yourself from sneaker waves.
-
Always have someone with you.
-
Always watch for the next wave.
How can you tell if someone else is drowning?
-
When someone is drowning they are just trying to breathe. They may:
-
Not be able to call for help
-
Not be splashing
-
There are some signs to watch for. A person who is drowning may:
-
Have their head tilted back
-
Be looking around for help
If you think someone is drowning, act quickly!
-
Tell other people and call 9-1-1.
-
Tell the person to stay calm, look at you and kick their feet.
-
Throw them a floating object (a life preserver or cushion).
-
If someone is drowning, DON’T go in the water yourself.
-
You can help only if you stay safe!
-
You may get hurt by going into the water to help someone.
-
They may pull you underwater, too.
-
There may be dangerous waves or currents in the water, even if you can’t see them from the shore.
-
Only a trained and certified lifeguard should go in the water to help a drowning victim.
Drowning can happen at home.
-
Many drowning accidents happen in the bathtub.
-
If you have seizures or if it’s hard for you to take a bath, don’t be shy… ask for help!
-
Never leave a child or person who can’t support themselves alone in the bathtub.
-
If there is a pool where you live, make sure it’s fenced in and keep the gate locked.
Learn more about water safety and drowning prevention:
Resources about drowning prevention for support persons:
SP_DrowningPrev_v2.pdf