What To Do In a Drowning Emergency – Drowning Prevention

Swimming is a great way to cool off and have fun in the sun, but safety measures should always be taken. An adult should be within reaching distance of swimmers at all times and pool safety rules should be carefully observed. Last week, we discussed steps to prevent accidental drowning. This week, we’d like to discuss drowning prevention further by providing tips on what to do if you ever find yourself in a drowning emergency.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, drowning is a leading cause of unintentional injury death in children age 1 to 4. Most of these accidents occur in home swimming pools. Knowing how to respond in an emergency situation can save a victim’s life and prevent damage to the brain and respiratory system. If a drowning emergency does occur, it is important to act immediately.

In responding to an aquatic emergency, The Red Cross recommends quick action and immediate care. First, know how to recognize an emergency. A swimmer in distress may attempt movement, but make little or no forward progress. Active drowning victims are often vertical in the water and try to press arms down in an attempt to keep the head above water. Passive drowning victims are motionless and float below the water’s surface. Quick rescue and immediate care are vital for survival.

If someone is missing, check the water first. Reach for the victim or throw a life-saving device to the individual. Do not leave the victim. Administer CPR and rescue breathing immediately if the victim is not breathing on her own. The CDC says that “starting CPR immediately, rather than waiting for emergency personnel, can help reduce the chance of brain damage. Send another individual to call 911 or the local emergency number. Those who have come close to drowning should receive a complete medical examination. They should remain under observation for 24 hours if they inhaled water or lost consciousness to ensure that no damage was sustained by the nervous or respiratory systems.

To learn more about how to respond in an emergency situation and obtain your CPR certification, visit http://www.redcross.org/take-a-class to find a class near you.

As always, creating layers of protection is best for accidental drowning prevention. One of the first steps you can do is learn to swim. Learn more about our swim lessons  (for kids and adults!) and survival swim programs.

For more information, check out these great resources:

American Academy of Pediatrics

American Red Cross

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

SWIM SCHOOL IN KATY 

Texas Swim Academy is the best swim school near me offering result-oriented swimming lessons in Katy that cater to all ages and abilities. Our well-trained and experienced swimming instructors provide a variety of programs for infants through adulthood. For the little ones, we offer swimming lessons for babies and swimming lessons for toddlers focused on survival swimming skills to build a strong water safety foundation and foster water confidence at a young age. Once your child knows how to swim, our swim lessons for children will help refine techniques and build endurance, as the consistent practice of their swimming skills is an imperative part of becoming a strong swimmer. 

Our adaptive aquatics program is designed for children of all ages and abilities to ensure every child, including children on the autism spectrum, can benefit from these fundamental skills and enjoy the water in a safe and comfortable environment. Adults seeking to improve their swimming prowess or learn how to swim for the first time can enroll in adult swim lessons tailored to their specific goals.

Our swim lessons near me are a convenient and accessible way for you and your family to learn how to swim in a comfortable environment. Our dedicated instructors are passionate about teaching and ensuring your progress in the water. Take a few minutes to view Our Swimmer Stories to learn more about what other families are saying about their experience with Texas Swim Academy. 

Contact us to learn more about our programs or stop by our state-of-the-art swimming facility in Katy to register today. Be sure to follow our Facebook, Twitter, and YouTube pages for important news, updates, and swimming safety tips, and read our blog to keep up-to-date with important information on water safety and proper swimming lessons.