"Even the most experienced swimmers can be in danger if the weather is bad, currents are strong or a medical emergency occurs in the water," said Dr. Gillian Schmitz, president of the American College of Emergency Physicians (ACE P). "Most drowning accidents are preventable, but it only takes seconds for a tragedy to occur."
On average, 11 people die in accidental drownings each day in the United States, and drowning is one of the leading causes of death among 1- to 4-year-olds, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
It can be difficult to determine whether someone is drowning, so ACE P outlined the signs:
Bobbing or floating in place.
Head tilted back with mouth open.
Head low in the water, with mouth at water level.
Trying to roll over onto the back.
Hyperventilating or gasping for breath.
Hair over forehead or eyes.
Eyes glassy and empty, unable to focus, or eyes closed.
If someone appears to be in trouble in the water, take immediate action. Get help from a lifeguard or call 911. Do not attempt to rescue a drowning person when you're also in the water unless you are trained to do so. Drowning people may panic and try to pull anyone nearby underwater with them, the ACE P explained.
Instead, extend or throw a floating object to the person. Once they are safely out of the water, tilt their head back, lift their chin and check for breath. Turn the person on their side to help them expel water.
If the person is not breathing, anyone trained should begin to perform hands-only CPR until first responders arrive.
"Learning to swim and becoming familiar with water safety are choices that can save a life," Schmitz said in an ACE P news release. "Simple steps to avoid danger can help keep everyone safe."
Keep the following steps in mind:
Always designate a responsible adult to supervise children in or near water.
Clear any loose toys from the pool area to reduce tripping hazards.
Don't use toys as flotation devices. Use life jackets for activities in or near lakes, rivers, or oceans, especially for children and weaker swimmers.
When swimming in natural bodies of water, be wary of hidden hazards such as strong currents, sharp rocks, or tangles of vegetation.
Always check the weather forecast before water activities.
Use the buddy system when swimming.
Don't drink alcohol before or during water activities or while supervising children.
People with medical conditions or those taking certain medications may require additional precautions.
Here Are the Steps
Stay Safe. Wear a personal flotation device if available. The most important thing to remember is not to become a patient yourself.1
If more than one rescuer is available, have someone call 911 immediately. Remember, if calling 911 from a cell phone, be sure to say your location carefully and do not hang up until the 911 dispatcher tells you to do so.
If the patient is conscious, try to reach the patient with something rigid enough to pull him or her back. An oar is a good option. If possible, always use an intermediary tool rather than reaching out with your arms. That way, if the patient starts yanking you in, you can let go to protect yourself
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