Malcolm Henry
When you’re at a beach or pool, would you be able to identify someone who’s drowning and take action to save them?
“Even the most experienced swimmers can be in danger if the weather is bad, currents are strong or a medical emergency occurs in the water,” said Dr. Gillian Schmitz, president of the American College of Emergency Physicians (ACEP). “Most drowning accidents are preventable, but it only takes seconds for a tragedy to occur.”
On average, 11 people die in accidental drownings each day in the United States, and drowning is one of the leading causes of death among 1- to 4-year-olds, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
It can be difficult to determine whether someone is drowning, so ACEP outlined the signs:
- Bobbing or floating in place.
- Head tilted back with mouth open.
- Head low in the water, with mouth at water level.
- Trying to roll over onto the back.
- Hyperventilating or gasping for breath.
- Hair over forehead or eyes.
- Eyes glassy and empty, unable to focus, or eyes closed.
If someone appears to be in trouble in the water, take immediate action. Get help from a lifeguard or call 911. Do not attempt to rescue a drowning person when you’re also in the water unless you are trained to do so. Drowning people may panic and try to pull anyone nearby underwater with them, the ACEP explained.
Instead, extend or throw a floating object to the person. Once they are safely out of the water, tilt their head back, lift their chin and check for breath. Turn the person on their side to help them expel water.
If the person is not breathing, anyone trained should begin to perform hands-only CPR until first responders arrive.
“Learning to swim and becoming familiar with water safety are choices that can save a life,” Schmitz said in an ACEP news release. “Simple steps to avoid danger can help keep everyone safe.”
Keep the following steps in mind:
- Always designate a responsible adult to supervise children in or near water.
- Clear any loose toys from the pool area to reduce tripping hazards.
- Don’t use toys as flotation devices. Use life jackets for activities in or near lakes, rivers, or oceans, especially for children and weaker swimmers.
- When swimming in natural bodies of water, be wary of hidden hazards such as strong currents, sharp rocks, or tangles of vegetation.
- Always check the weather forecast before water activities.
- Use the buddy system when swimming.
- Don’t drink alcohol before or during water activities or while supervising children.
- People with medical conditions or those taking certain medications may require additional precautions.
More information
For more about water safety, go to the American Red Cross.
SOURCE: American College of Emergency Physicians, news release, May 26, 2022
Great write-up, I’m normal visitor of one’s website, maintain up the nice operate, and It is going to be a regular visitor for a long time.
Thanks for your personal marvelous posting! I genuinely enjoyed reading it, you will be a great author.I will make certain to bookmark your blog and definitely will come back later on. I want to encourage that you continue your great posts, have a nice evening!
Perfect work you have done, this internet site is really cool with good information.
I’m really loving the theme/design of your blog. Do you ever run into any web browser compatibility problems? A small number of my blog readers have complained about my website not operating correctly in Explorer but looks great in Safari. Do you have any solutions to help fix this problem?
I like this post, enjoyed this one thanks for putting up.
We’re a group of volunteers and starting a new scheme in our community. Your site offered us with valuable info to work on. You’ve done a formidable job and our whole community will be grateful to you.
159992 656681Good day! This is my first visit to your blog! We are a collection of volunteers and starting a new initiative in a community in the same niche. Your blog provided us useful information to work on. You have done a marvellous job! 5175
What¦s Taking place i am new to this, I stumbled upon this I’ve discovered It positively helpful and it has helped me out loads. I hope to give a contribution & help other customers like its aided me. Great job.
you are really a good webmaster. The site loading speed is incredible. It seems that you’re doing any unique trick. In addition, The contents are masterwork. you have done a wonderful job on this topic!
591215 332258Good day! This is my first visit to your blog! We are a collection of volunteers and starting a new project in a community in the same niche. Your blog provided us useful information to work on. You have done a marvellous job! 179446
Hey there just wanted to give you a quick heads up. The text in your article seem to be running off the screen in Ie. I’m not sure if this is a format issue or something to do with browser compatibility but I figured I’d post to let you know. The style and design look great though! Hope you get the problem solved soon. Thanks
Hello there! This post couldn’t be written any better! Reading through this post reminds me of my old room mate! He always kept chatting about this. I will forward this post to him. Pretty sure he will have a good read. Thanks for sharing!
After study a few of the blog posts on your website now, and I truly like your way of blogging. I bookmarked it to my bookmark website list and will be checking back soon. Pls check out my web site as well and let me know what you think.
I like this post, enjoyed this one thankyou for posting.
I appreciate, cause I found just what I was looking for. You have ended my four day long hunt! God Bless you man. Have a nice day. Bye
81588 860669Thank you, Ive just been looking for data about this subject for a even though and yours may be the greatest Ive discovered till now. But, what in regards to the conclusion? Are you certain concerning the supply? 769206
What i don’t understood is in fact how you are now not actually a lot more well-appreciated than you may be right now. You’re very intelligent. You understand therefore significantly in terms of this topic, produced me in my opinion believe it from numerous numerous angles. Its like men and women aren’t interested except it is something to accomplish with Girl gaga! Your individual stuffs excellent. All the time care for it up!