Steps to Prevent Accidental Drowning – Texas Swim Academy
Pool Safety, Texas Swim Academy
Swimming is great fun in the sun, but drowning presents a real danger. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, “drowning is the second leading cause of unintentional injury death for children age 1 to 14 years, and the fifth leading cause for people of all ages. Here are a few steps to ensure your safety, whether you’re enjoying your own pool or a day at the beach, to help prevent accidental drowning.
- Learn how to swim. According to a study cited by the CDC, “participation in formal swimming lessons can reduce the risk of drowning by as much as 88% among young children aged 1 to 4 years, who are at the greatest risk of drowning. Children can begin formal swim lessons at a young age. The American Academy of Pediatrics supports formal swimming lessons as early as one year of age.
- Learn CPR (Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation). CPR can save a victim’s life. The sooner administered the better.
- Supervise. A trusted adult should be at arm’s length from swimmers at all times, particularly children under age 5. Lifeguards are a help, but many drowning victims are noticed by bystanders or supervising adults.
- Fence in home pool areas. Pools should be fenced in on all sides, so as to be inaccessible to young children. Gates should be at least 4 ft high, as well as self-closing and self-latching. Alarms to alert parents or caregivers when someone enters the pool area are also helpful.
- Store toys. After play time, remove all toys from the pool area and store out of sight so that children will not be tempted to go into the pool area unsupervised.
- Never swim alone. Swimmers of all ages should employ the buddy system.
- Keep rescue equipment nearby.
- Use life vests. Toys, Noodles, or other air-filled swimming aids should not be used as substitutes for life jackets.
- Educate young swimmers. Remind children to check for depth markers and not swim in the deep end of pools. Encourage them to walk, not run, in pool areas and to refrain from pushing or dunking others.
- Keep an eye on the weather. Watch for lightning or other conditions that may make swimming unsafe.
- Avoid alcohol. Remain alert to ensure everyone’s safety. Do not drink alcohol while supervising children or while swimming, boating, or water-skiing.
Resources on Preventing Accidental Drowning:
Water-Related Injuries Facts – Home and Recreational Safety – Injury Center
Drowning Risks in Natural Water Settings
Stay Safe In and Around Swimming Pools
KidsHealth
Pool Safety for Children
USA Swimming The Benefits of Swimming
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Texas Swim Academy is an infant, child and adult swim lesson facility. The academy strives to introduce children to water at an early age through survival swim, and to fully develop their swim stroke abilities through adulthood through stroke development. Children are taught life saving swim safety skills and have the option to prepare for competitive swim team. Texas Swim Academy also offers parent-child classes to grow the bond between parent and child and to provide a seamless, comfortable introduction to water for children. To learn more about Texas Swim Academy’s swim lessons, infant aquatics and other programs, please call (832) 437-6186.