NEW ORLEANS — Swimming has become a popular leisure activity in the United States. Unsupervised or reckless keep swimming can be dangerous.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimates that about ten people drown every day from unintentional drowning. Of these, two are children.
Lack of swimming ability, lacks of barriers to prevent unsupervised access to water, lack supervision while swimming, location, failure of life jackets, alcohol consumption, seizure disorders, and lack of ability are Dream of Swimming the main factors that increase drowning risk.
Fear not: The University Medical Center Injury Prevention Team has helpful tips to keep your family and friends safe while you enjoy the water.
Always keep an eye out for children near water
It is crucial to supervise your child when they are in the water, even if they know how to swim. A toddler can easily fall in a bathtub or into a pool in a matter of seconds.
Children are quick and should not be left alone near water. It’s hard for parents and adults. You want to have fun in the summertime. Drowning happens quickly and quietly so adults shouldn’t be distracted by any other activity, such as reading, playing cards or talking on the phone while watching children.
Make sure you have the right life jackets
When swimming, young children and inexperienced swimmers must wear U.S. Coast Guard-approved life jackets. Make sure that the child is wearing the right size life jacket, according to the jacket weight limits. Life jackets are not meant to replace adult supervision. They should be used only as a preventative measure against drowning.
Teach water safety
Children should be taught at an early age how to ask permission to get near water. This will help them to understand the risks and not fear.
Register for age-appropriate Swimming lessons
Swimming is one of the most effective ways to avoid drowning. Professional lessons are available to teach swimmers how to swim safely. You don’t have to be a pro at to learn to swim. All ages are welcome to keep lessons, even adults.
Always keep swimming with a friend
Swimming with a friend is fun and safe. Swimming with a buddy is a great way to have fun and keep safe. You can start CPR if you’re trained. However, a 911 operator can give you instructions on how to use the phone to perform CPR if you’re not certified. You should still seek medical attention, even if the person appears normal after being revived.
Make sure you keep swimming in a designated area
COVID-19 restrictions may mean that some summertime keep swimming areas might be closed, leading swimmers to seek out other places to cool off and swim. Swimmers are safe in designated areas.