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