How Safe Are You Around Water?

Summer is almost here, and many are getting ready for boating, swimming, and simple pool fun. Before you pack swim suits and head out to the water, spend a few minutes understanding the risks and learning how to help keep you and your family safe.

Consider these facts from the Center for Injury Prevention & Control, a division of the Center for Disease Control (CDC):

* For children, drowning is the second leading cause of injury-related death (motor vehicle related injuries are number one).
* In 2006, there were 3,579 fatal unintentional drownings.
* In 2008, 72% of recreational boating fatalities were caused by drowning and 90% of the victims were not wearing life jackets.

The facts point to one obvious but important conclusion: being near water can be very dangerous. Fortunately, there are a number of safety measures one can take to ensure summer days near the water stay fun.

The water situations that present the greatest risks, change as a child ages. Children under one year of age most often drown in bathtubs, buckets, or toilets. Among children aged one to four, most drownings occur in residential swimming pools. The percent of drownings that occur in natural water settings increases with age. Most drownings among those over the age of 15 occur in natural water settings.

Adults have the responsibility of their own water safety and the safety of children. Here are some guidelines from the CDC for keeping everybody safe:

* Use pool fencing and barriers to restrict a child’s access to pool areas. About one in every 25 homes in the U.S. has a pool with inadequate protection / fencing!
* Use life jackets. A quick internet search found life jackets for less than $10.
* Do not use air-filled or foam toys such as “water wings” or “noodles” as a life jacket replacement.
* Refrain from drinking alcohol. Up to half of adolescent and adult deaths associated with water recreation involve alcohol use.
* Learn CPR (cardiopulmonary resuscitation). Bystanders who know CPR have been shown to improve outcomes in drowning victims. CPR training courses are offered by the American Heart Association (1-800-AHAUSA1), the American Red Cross, and many local fire departments. There are also good online sources for information.
* Go to public water locations with trained lifeguards.
* Bring a buddy. Always swim with a buddy that can help you if you need assistance, or alert others.
* Learn how to swim! It’s fun and will be a valuable lifelong skill.

With these simple precautions, you are ready to go out and have a great day with your friends and family.