Nearly half of the adults surveyed about water safety by the American Red Cross reported having had a near-drowning experience when they were younger.
The survey of more than 1,000 adults, taken in advance of the summer vacation season, also shows while over 90% of families with young children will be in the water at some point this summer, almost half (48%) plan to swim in a place with no lifeguard.
With the weather warming up and people heading to beaches and pools, the survey’s sobering data is an important reminder for adults and children to practice safe habits in and around the water this summer. The Red Cross recommends swimming at lifeguard-supervised pools and beaches or with adult supervision.
The following tips will help keep your family safe this summer while allowing for plenty of fun in the sun:
- Learn to swim. Sign up for a Red Cross learn to swim program.
- Never leave children unattended near water. Always practice “reach” supervision — remain within arm’s length when a young child is near water. For older children and adults who are not strong swimmers, practice “active” or constant supervision and make sure they wear U.S. Coast Guard approved personal flotation devices (PFDs) whenever in or around the water.
- Know how to respond to an emergency. Learn to spot a swimmer in trouble, how to help (and keep yourself safe), and when to call for emergency. Red Cross water safety, first aid and CPR courses are available to help.
- Keep lifesaving gear handy. Always have a ring buoy, life jacket, rope, pole or other lifesaving floatation device handy. Keep a first aid kit, cordless phone and emergency contact information by the pool.
- Know when it’s TOO dangerous. If you, or someone you’re with, appears to be TOO cold, TOO far from safety, TOO exposed to the sun, or had TOO much strenuous activity, head to shore or signal for help.
- Eliminate temptation. Backyard pools should have self-closing, self-latching gates that remain locked when the pool is not in use. Kiddie pools should be emptied and toys removed immediately after use. Remove water from buckets and pails to prevent small children from falling in and drowning.
- Know before you go. Check local weather, tides, currents and other conditions which could be dangerous before entering open bodies of water.
*Telephone survey of 1,002 U.S. Adults 18 years and older on March 20-23, 2009 conducted by ORC International.
Tags: drowning prevention, water safety
