Virginia has seen an increase in drownings recently, particularly in young children. But drownings can be prevented. Knowing how to recognize the signs of distress and actively supervising children are key to preventing drowning.
All children should be actively and continuously supervised when near or in water by a responsible adult. Supervising adults should avoid distractions like reading and using the phone.
Never leave a child alone near a pool/spa, bathtub, toilet or standing body of water. Young children should be within the arm’s reach of a supervising adult whenever near or in water.
Recognize Distress
Drowning in real life is different from the movies, there is no splashing and screaming. Instead, drownings can be quick and silent. Drowning can take less than 60 seconds.
- Head low in the water, mouth at water level or head tilted back with mouth open.
- Eyes glassy and empty, unable to focus or eyes closed.
- Hair over forehead or eyes.
- Not using legs to kick.
- Vertical body position.
- Hyperventilating or gasping.
- Trying to swim in a particular direction but not making headway.
- Trying to roll over on the back.
- Appear to be trying to climb a ladder.
Provide Aid
If you see a swimmer in distress, use Red Cross’s drowning chain of survival to get the person to safety:
- Shout for help. Tell others to call 911.
- Provide floatation to prevent submersion.
- Rescue and remove the person from the water, if it is possible to do so without putting yourself in danger.
- Provide medical assistance. If the victim is not breathing, provide CPR until paramedics arrive.
Other Prevention Tips
- Learn to swim. Children and adults can enroll in swimming lessons.
- Always swim with a buddy. Never swim alone.
- Avoid swimming after dark. Signs of drowning are harder to see.
- Avoid consuming alcohol or drugs when swimming or supervising children swimming.
- Avoid swimming hazards like rip currents, rough waters and debris.
- Listen to lifeguards and observe any swimming advisories.
- Wear U.S. Coast Guard-approved life jackets.
- Ensure your pools has the proper safety features in place.
Visit swimhealthyva.com for more information. Let’s make our pools and beaches safer for everyone! Have a healthy, happy, and safe summer!