Swimming is a popular recreation activity that all ages can enjoy. As a sport, it provides a great cardiovascular workout that does not produce stress on the skeletal system like aerobics or jogging. However, it is an activity that rates as the number two accidental killers of children under 15. Most younger children drown when they accidentally fall into an unguarded pool or are left unattended in a bathtub. Both older children and adults often drown because they overestimate their abilities or underestimate water depth. Listed below are basic safety rules to ensure a safe swim.

• Learn to swim. The best thing anyone can do to stay safe in and around the water is to learn to swim.
• Always swim with a buddy; never swim alone.
• Know your swimming limits and stay within them. Don't try to keep up with a stronger, skilled swimmer or encourage others to keep up with you.
• Swim in supervised areas only. Obey No Diving" signs that indicate the area is unsafe for headfirst entries. Enter feet-first into water rather than head first if you don’t know the depth. In addition, learn the correct way to dive from a qualified instructor.
• Watch out for the "dangerous too's" -- too fired, too cold, too far from safety, too much sun, too much strenuous activity.
• Do not chew gum or eat while you swim; you could easily choke.
• Use common sense about swimming after eating. In general, you do not have to wait an hour after eating before you may safely swim. However, if you have had a large meal, it is wise to let digestion get started before doing strenuous activity such as swimming.
• Alcohol and swimming don't mix. Alcohol impairs your judgment, balance, and coordination, especially in the water. It affects your swimming and diving skills and reduces your body's ability to stay warm.
• Always wear a Coast Guard-approved life jacket when boating and fishing.
• Know local weather conditions and prepare for electrical storms. Because water conducts electricity, it is wise to stop swimming or boating as soon as you see or hear a storm.

The following information applies to pool safety. Remember that pool accidents can happen anywhere a pool is available… at home, the neighbor’s backyard, resort hotels, etc.

• Never leave a child unobserved around water. Your eyes must be on the child at all times. Adult supervision is recommended.
• Enclose the pool completely with a self-locking, self-closing fence with vertical bars. Openings in the fence should be no more than four inches wide. If the house is part of the barrier, the doors leading from the house to the pool should remain locked and be protected with an alarm that produces sounds when the door is unexpectedly opened.
• Never leave furniture, ladders, or garbage cans near the fence that would enable a child to climb over the fence.
• Keep toys away from the pool when it is not in use. Toys can attract young children into the pool.
• Always keep basic lifesaving equipment by the pool and know how to use it. Pole, rope and personal flotation devices (PFDs) are recommended.
• Pool covers should always be completely removed prior to pool use.
• Install a phone by the pool or keep a cordless phone nearby so that you can call 911 in an emergency.
• Know how to prevent, recognize, and respond to emergencies. CALL 911 or your local emergency number, and CARE for the person until help arrives.

If a child is missing, check the pool first. Go to the edge of the pool and scan the entire pool, bottom and surface, as well as the surrounding pool area.

In the event of a drowning, remove the victim from the water, and have someone call 911 or your local emergency number. Check for consciousness and breathing. If the victim is not breathing, open the airway and attempt rescue breathing. If breaths do not go in, re-tilt the head, and attempt rescue breathing again. If air still does not go in, give abdominal thrusts (Heimlich maneuver) for children and adults to clear the airway. Once the airway is clear, provide rescue breathing or CPR as needed.

Creator- Wanda Walters
Email: walterswm@mcsc.usmc.mil

Graphics:Kurt Davis
Email: kdavis@nassig.sicliy.navy.mil

Vermont SIRI Safety Library Page

Wednesday, March 21, 2001