7 Preventative Measures Everyone Should Know to Avoid Drowning

According to the American Red Cross, around 4000 people die every year in the United States due to unintentional drowning, i.e., an average of 11 drowning deaths per day. Even though drowning is the 3rd leading cause of accidental death (especially among children), drowning risk can be reduced by basic preventative measures and proper awareness.

Here are 7 drowning preventative measures that everyone should know about.

1. Learn Basic Swimming Skills

Bodies of water can be unpredictable; knowing basic swimming skills such as floating, treading water, and swimming short distances could save your or someone else’s life in case of an emergency. No matter the person’s age, if you don’t know how to swim, it is best to sign up for swimming lessons at your local community center.

2. Always Supervise Children Near Water

Water bodies like pools, lakes, ponds, etc., are all an attraction for kids; their curious and fun-loving nature will always be interested in looking around or even jumping in. But the thing about drowning is that it is often silent, with no splashing and no cries for help. This is why children should always have an adult supervising.

Be it your home tub, the community pool, or the beach with lifeguards present, adults need to constantly supervise children. It is best to avoid distractions like phones or conversations to ensure the child’s safety. A few moments of vigilance can prevent a lifetime of regret.

3. Avoid Alcohol Around Water

Alcohol and water bodies together are a dangerous combination. Even a small amount of alcohol can mess with your coordination, balance, and judgment, meaning the critical skills that you need while swimming are impaired. Many drowning-related accidents among adults are often caused by someone who had a little too much.

It is best to keep drinking as a post-water activity indulgence. Staying sober ensures your and other people’s safety.

4. Always Wear a Life Jacket

Life jackets are created to save lives, but only if people wear them. Whether you’re going for boating, kayaking, or fishing in the open water, even if you are a pro swimmer, always wear a Coast Guard-approved life jacket, as they provide buoyancy in case you fall in. Be sure to wear a jacket that fits you in a snug and comfortable manner so that the jacket doesn’t ride up or slip off of you.

5. Learn CPR and Rescue Techniques

Knowing what to do in case of an emergency can be a lifesaver. Cardiopulmonary resuscitation, aka ‘CPR,’ helps to keep a person’s oxygen flowing till medical professionals arrive. You could take a certified CPR and first aid course to keep yourself prepared and ready to step in in case a person becomes unresponsive.

6. Follow Pool and Beach Safety Rules

Always pay attention to the signs posted near a body of water; look for safety guidelines, colored flags, and lifeguard instructions. If you are going to a new or open water body, it is best to bring someone with you; sudden currents, depth changes, etc., could catch you off-guard. It is best to swim within the designated swimming zones and never dive unless you know the depth of the water body.

7. Secure Home Pools

Home pools can be just as dangerous as public pools, if not more. It is best to install a fence that is around 4 to 5 feet tall to prevent unsupervised access. You could also keep pool covers and water alarms for extra safety.

Even inflatable kiddie pools could be dangerous, especially if you have small kids or pets, as they could fall in while playing. It is best to drain it out when not in use. Taking such simple measures can drastically reduce the risk of accidental drowning in your own backyard.

Key Takeaways

• Drowning accidents occur quickly and silently; however, most accidents can be prevented with proper precautions and awareness.
• Learn basic swimming techniques so you can ensure your safety in case of emergencies.
• Never leave children unsupervised near water bodies, no matter how shallow the water body is.
• Avoid consuming alcohol before engaging in water activities.
• Always wear a life jacket when engaging in open water activities like boating, kayaking, or fishing.
• Learn CPR and basic first aid techniques to help someone in case of an emergency.
• Always look into the safety signs and lifeguard instructions near pools and other water bodies.
• Secure your home pool with proper fencing, covers, alarms, etc., to prevent accidents.