5 Things You Need to Know About Preventing Drowning

1. Preventing Pool Drowning

Swimming-pool safety is particularly important if you have young children. It takes a small child only a few moments to drown, and they often don't splash around, yell or draw attention to themselves. Therefore it's essential to have pool safety measures in place. Fence in your pool and install a pool alarm. Be sure the alarm is loud enough to hear inside your home. Consider having a pool cover on for when the pool is not in use. If you have an above-ground pool, remove the ladder when you're not using the pool. Teach your little ones to swim at an early age. However, even with safety measures, nothing is as important as good supervision.

2. Keep a Float

If you are going boating, wear a life vest and be sure your children do, even if you are a good swimmer. Lakes and rivers may be colder than you realize, which can limit your ability to swim to safely. Carrying a life vest in the boat is not enough. It takes only a moment to be thrown overboard. Everyone in the boat should wear life vests at all times. Children's water wings are not an adequate flotation device during boating.

3. The Current Can Take You Under

Swimming in the ocean can be invigorating. However, it is important to be aware of the power of the water. Ocean waters have strong undertows that can pull you under and make it difficult to swim to shore. Rip currents can be so strong you can be pulled out in a matter of minutes. Swim where a lifeguard is on duty. Adhere to posted warnings about the current and ocean swimming. Swim with a friend and don't venture out too far from the shore.

4. Keep Little Ones Safe at Home

Pools, lakes and ponds are not the only drowning hazards for young children. Infants and very young children can drown in only a few inches of water. The bathtub is the biggest drowning hazard. Don't leave young children alone in the tub, even for a minute. Install safety latches on toilet lids to prevent little ones from falling in. Empty buckets that contain water.

5. Friends Don't Let Friends Swim Drunk

Alcohol and swimming don't mix. Studies have shown that the chance of drowning increases when alcohol is consumed. Your judgment may be impaired, which can lead to swimming into deeper water or not realizing how far out you have swum. You are also more susceptible to hypothermia. Limit alcohol not only when swimming but also during all water sports such as boating or riding a jet ski.