Water Safety: Chain of Drowning Survival
National Water Safety Month is the month of May and was established as an annual event by several pool and spa organizations to promote awareness of water safety.
With the upcoming summer season comes spending time in, on, and around water. Whether you enjoy rivers, lakes, waterfalls, pools, or water leisure activities in amusement parks, safety is a necessary concern.
The CDC reports that 10 people a day die from unintentional drownings. Of that 10, 2 are children 14 years old or younger. Between 2020-19, drowning was the leading cause of death among kids 1-4 years old. It has been predicted that drownings have increased during the Covid-19 pandemic.
Follow the American Red Cross Chain of Drowning Survival to keep your family safe this summer.
Recognize the signs of someone in trouble and shout for help. It is a myth that a drowning person calls for help. They maybe motionless and make little forward progress. Never practice breath holding games or long underwater swims.
Rescue and remove the person from the water (without putting yourself in danger). Always keep yourself safe and use an object between you and the victim such as a towel, rope or inflatable in helping a person if there is no trained lifeguard available.
Ask someone to call emergency medical services (EMS). If alone, give 2 minutes of care, then call EMS. Call immediately so that help arrives quickly.
Begin rescue breathing and CPR. Learn CPR so that you can help someone that needs it and give him or her a chance of survival.
Use an AED if available and transfer care to advanced life support. An AED is easy to use and gives verbal instructions on what to do when you turn it on. Use it if you have one available.
Cool off and enjoy the water….but stay safe by following these tips on water safety!