It is the time of year where all you want to do is cool down in
the pool, drive to your favorite lake, or take a vacation on the beach.
Before you enjoy the water there are many ways to ensure not only
your safety, but your families safety as well. For people aged 4-24 drowning is the
second leading cause of accidental death. Though a scary figure there are many
simple ways to ensure you and your family will be safe this summer.
Most people know this first rule, but it can be forgotten in the
heat of the moment when the water starts calling your name. NEVER SWIM ALONE.
You do not know what could happen in the water, even experienced swimmers can
get severe cramps and have trouble swimming to the edge of the water and
getting out. Always swim with a partner, they made need your help too.
KNOW YOUR RESCUE TECHNQUES. Understand how to pull someone from
the water if they are having trouble, know how to perform CPR, even have a
floating device nearby to throw to someone in trouble. Some organizations like
Red Cross or the YMCA may offer free training in your community!
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| Practice safe swimming! |
Just like “Don’t Drink and Drive”, DON’T DRINK AND SWIM. Mixing
alcohol and strenuous activity is a bad idea. Alcohol is involved in many
water-related injuries and up to half of all water-related deaths. The
statistics for teenage boys are particularly scary: One half of all adolescent
male drownings are tied to alcohol use.
A large part of water safety involves BOATING SAFETY. Boating is a
fun and relaxing activity, but can become deadly if you are not being safe.
First, know the weather. Do not plan to go out on a boat in inclement weather.
There are many factors like lightening (we all know water conducts
electricity), wind gusts, waves, and hail which can turn your trip into a
tragedy. Second, make sure your captain and boat are up to the task. Your
captain should be experienced and able bodied to drive the boat, he should know
the laws of the water. The boat should be well maintained and water ready too!
Remember: Don’t drink and drive. Third, make sure the boat has enough
floatation devices for everyone aboard, you do not want to be caught in a
situation where you run out! Finally, it may be a good idea to let someone on
shore know where you are going, how long you’ll be there, and when you will be back.
This will ensure that if someone will be keeping an eye on you and if you need
assistance it can be there quickly.
Just remember to be cautious and aware and have a great safe
summer brought to you by Preferred Family Healthcare.
More safety information can be found at:
-Maxwell Law
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