With the sunny days of summer and rising temperatures comes that time of the year when more and more people get out and enjoy the water. Whether you just want to wade in the water, swim in a lake or pool or slip-slide in a water park, now is an excellent time to review how to stay safe.
According to the CDC, 4000 people unintentionally drown every year for an average of 11 drowning deaths per day while 8000 people nearly drown for an average of 22 per day.
The National Safety Council (NSC) found that of the 3709 drownings in 2017, 12 percent were children aged four or younger. Seventy-four percent of drownings of children under 15 from 2015-2017 occurred in residential locations.
While it’s extremely fun to be around the water, it also can be extremely dangerous. At The Prewitt Group, we want you and your family to remain safe in and around the water this summer. We offer these safety tips from the NSC:
- Don’t go into the water unless you know how to swim. One of the best ways to remain safe is to learn how to swim. Swimming lessons are offered by a number of community organizations and at swimming schools.
- Never swim alone. The buddy system is the best system.
- Learn CPR and rescue techniques.
- Swimming in lakes and rivers is much different than in pools. Lakes and rivers have currents. Make sure you are comfortable swimming in bodies of water with currents. In addition if you get caught in a current don’t panic; flow along with it or swim parallel to the shore until you can get free.
- Don’t push or jump on others.
- Don’t dive into unfamiliar areas.
- Swim in areas supervised by lifeguards.
- Don’t drink alcohol and swim.
- Never leave children alone in the water.
- Never let children play around the drains or suction cups.
Have fun, enjoy all that the summer season offers, and most of all, stay mindful of safe practices!