How To Prevent Drowning

As the summer season approaches and pool time becomes a staple activity for families, it’s essential to prioritize water safety and take proactive steps to prevent drowning. At Baby Otter Swim School, we understand the importance of water safety, and we’re here to share some crucial tips to help keep your loved ones safe around water.

Supervision: Keep a Watchful Eye

One of the most critical aspects of water safety is supervision. Never leave children unsupervised around water, even if it’s shallow. It only takes a moment for an accident to occur. Designate a responsible adult as a water watcher, whose sole responsibility is to supervise children while they’re in or around the water. By implementing the buddy system, you ensure that there’s always someone keeping a watchful eye on swimmers, minimizing the risk of accidents.

Swimming Lessons: Learn a Life-Saving Skill

Enroll yourself and your loved ones in swimming lessons at Baby Otter Swim School. Learning to swim is a life-saving skill that can make a significant difference in water safety. Our state-certified instructors utilize the Turn, Kick, Reach® system, developed over the last 40 years, to teach essential swimming skills. Whether you’re a beginner or looking to refine your technique, our swimming program caters to individuals of all ages and skill levels, including those with special needs. As summer approaches, mastering the art of swimming becomes not only crucial in preventing drowning but also in fostering confidence, allowing individuals to fully enjoy the water and have even more fun.

Safety Equipment: Be Prepared

Keep safety equipment, such as life jackets and pool floats, readily available whenever you’re around water. These items can provide crucial support in emergencies, especially for inexperienced swimmers or those who may tire easily. Additionally, consider installing a pool fence to prevent unsupervised access to the pool area, further enhancing safety measures and peace of mind.

Awareness: Stay Informed

It’s essential to understand that it doesn’t take much water to cause drowning. Even small bodies of water, like bathtubs or shallow pools, pose a risk, especially for young children. Stay informed about the dangers of drowning and educate your family members about water safety practices to ensure everyone remains vigilant and aware of potential risks.

Individual Factors: Consider Personal Vulnerabilities

Recognize that individual factors, such as age, weight, and respiratory health, can impact drowning risk. Young children and individuals with respiratory issues may be more vulnerable to drowning, requiring extra precautions and supervision. Take these factors into account when planning water activities and ensure appropriate safety measures are in place for everyone involved.

 

 

Citation:

World Health Organization. (2023, July 25). Drowning. Retrieved from https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/drowning. Written by Yoshi Shimizu.