Water safety is everyone's responsibility. Do you know how to recognize drowning when you see it? You will after reading this blog.

At PoolFenceDIY, we believe that water safety should be a priority all year around. In fact, winter is the perfect time to brush up on your water safety knowledge. For instance, even if you live in a colder climate and don’t have your pool open, you can still get trained in CPR. It’s never too early to reacquaint yourself with the signs of drowning. When drowning is the leading cause of death children who are four years old and younger, you can never be too prepared.

Active Supervision for All

When you are near a pool or any other body of water, it is important to be vigilant.  This means that someone should always be watching children, especially when they are swimming. We’ve written about this topic quite a lot in the past, and for good reason.  If you know the signs of drowning, and are paying close attention, you are far more likely to help someone who is in distress.

Remember that anyone, even an experienced swimmer, can be at risk of drowning. You don't need to become a lifeguard to help someone. Getting swimming lessons is a great way to prevent a bad incident from occurring. However, this isn’t foolproof. Experienced swimmers can easily drift too far from the shoreline in the ocean or become unconscious after hitting their head. It is important to note the safety of anyone in the pool.

Recognize Drowning by Paying Attention to the Quiet Moments

Movies can be deceptive, and so can drowning. Usually, movies depict someone who is drowning by showing them yelling for help and splashing around in the water. In reality, drowning is surprisingly quiet. This is why it is so important to stay alert and recognize drowning. When someone is having trouble, they will often become very quiet. When you no longer hear your children playing, this should be a red flag.

Despite what the movies show you, people who are drowning are usually struggling for air. As they struggle to keep their mouth above the surface, water often obstructs their airway. At this point, panic also sets in. This is why they often cannot call for help.

Body Language Can be a Tell-Tale Sign

When you are watching someone in the pool, pay attention to their mannerisms. Body language can tell you everything you need to know. For instance, we mentioned above that someone in distress usually won’t be splashing around in the water. That’s because they are likely to have their arms next to them. Drowning victims will push their arms toward their body in order to push their body upward. This helps them to keep their mouth above water and get the air they need.

Another sign that someone may be drowning is if they have their head tilted back. If they are having trouble getting air, tilting their head will help them to catch their breath.  While many people enjoy floating in the water, if the swimmer’s body is vertical and their head is tilted back, it can be a serious warning sign. Speaking of floating, it is safe to be on your back. However, if a person is floating on their stomach, they may be in need of assistance.

A fun day can turn tragic very quickly. Be sure that you are prepared for the summer months by knowing how to recognize drowning.