Drowning is Silent
Drowning is a serious issue that can result in the loss of life. Most people have seen drowning portrayed in movies and TV shows. In these portrayals, there is dramatic splashing and cries for help. In reality, most of the time drowning is silent.
In most cases, victims of drowning may not be able to call for help as they struggle to keep their head above water. More than 350 children in the U.S. die each year from drowning. With this in mind, it it crucial to keep children under six within arm's reach, and children six and older within eyesight around water.
Water Can Always Be Dangerous
During the warmer months, when swimming and other water activities are popular, it is essential to keep safety in mind. While swimming can be an enjoyable activity for children and adults alike, there is still a risk factor associated with it. It is essential to take proper precautions to prevent drowning. Even experienced swimmers can be at risk of drowning. Unfortunately, the recent absence of a lifeguard at many beaches and crowded pools can make it challenging for a parent or guardian to keep an eye on everyone.
Learn to Recognize Drowning
It is essential to recognize drowning by paying attention to the quiet moments. Contrary to what movies depict, drowning is usually silent. When someone is struggling, you are not as likely to hear them. If you no longer hear your children playing, it should be a red flag. Drowning victims are usually struggling for air. In these cases, water often obstructs their airway as they struggle to keep their mouth above the surface. Panic sets in, and they may not be able to call for help.
Watching someone's body language can tell you everything you need to know about their safety. A drowning victim is likely to have their arms next to them, pushing their body upward to keep their mouth above water and get the air they need. Tilted heads can help them catch their breath when they are having trouble getting air. For this reason, if a swimmer's body is vertical and their head is tilted back, it can be a serious warning sign. If a person is floating on their stomach, they may be in serious need of assistance.
Drowning is Silent, But Active Supervision Can Help
Active supervision is critical in preventing drowning accidents. Whenever someone is near a pool or any body of water, they should always be vigilant, especially when children are swimming. Recognizing the signs of drowning and paying close attention can help you to identify someone in distress and offer assistance. As we mentioned above, anyone can be at risk of drowning, regardless of their swimming abilities.
Getting swimming lessons is a great way to prevent drowning incidents, but it is not foolproof. Experienced swimmers can easily drift too far from the shoreline in the ocean or become unconscious after hitting their head at the pool. Therefore, it is crucial to be aware of everyone’s safety when they are in the water.
Wrapping Up
In conclusion, drowning is both silent and serious. It needs to be addressed with proper safety measures. Anyone can be at risk of drowning, and it is crucial to recognize the signs of distress and offer assistance, when possible. Active supervision is critical in preventing drowning accidents. Watching someone's body language can help you to identify whether they need help. By following good safety habits, you and your children can enjoy swimming and water activities without any worries.
