 |
| By Sholeh Patrick |
Drownings happen quickly
It happens every year.
Someone, often a local, drowns in one of our nautical summer playgrounds. Tuesday a young man from Priest River drowned at Hauser Lake in cold waters. I fear sometimes we get so familiar with our own territory, we forget that these lovely natural surroundings can still be dangerous, no matter how long we've known them. Mother Nature is always in charge.
Drowning is the leading cause of death for children under 5; 25 percent of those children who drown have taken swimming lessons, according to the American Academy of Pediatrics. Those statistics include beaches, pools, buckets, and tubs with as little as an inch of sitting water. In most cases, child drownings took only seconds, and no splashing or other sound was heard.
For drownings of all ages, alcohol use, low water temperatures and poor swimming skill are the three leading causes.
So regardless of age or water expertise, these prevention tips from the U.S. Coast Guard, fire departments, and federal consumer safety commissions can help lower drowning risks this summer:
• Multiple protections -- barriers in the swimming area, eyes on swimmers at all times, flotation devices, fences around pools and hot tubs, swimming lessons.
• CPR -- anyone 12 and older can learn and save lives. Local chapters of the Red Cross and hospitals have class information.
• Remember, kids go for floating toys when they drift; check the temptation factor.
• Keep a phone nearby and ensure kids know 911.
• Don't leave water in backyard pools when not in use.
• No alcohol when boating, whether or not piloting the boat.
Coast Guard statistics show that most drownings occur within 10 feet from safety, and the majority are witnessed by someone in a position to help. The warning signs of a drowning victim are:
• Head back
• Mouth open, establishing an airway, but not making a sound
• Arms doing an involuntary breast stroke above water
• Head bobbing up and down, going under and then above water
To many, a drowning can look like simple water play or clowning around. The safest thing is to assume it's not; a child can drown in a few seconds and an adult in just under a minute.
For more information on drowning prevention, search "drowning" at www.cpsc.gov or write "Prevent Drowning," CPSC, Washington, D.C. 20207 for free information.
Sholeh Patrick is a columnist for the Hagadone News Network. Send e-mail to sholehjo@hotmail.com and please play safely this summer.
