What you need to know to swim safely

The best way to beat the heat in the South is cooling off by taking a swim, but water comes with its share of dangers—especially drowning.

“It’s definitely that time of year and we highly recommend those who are pool owners be responsible for people in their pool area,” said Dr. Matt Young, physician owner and medical director of Texarkana Emergency Center.

“At the lake, make sure you have good adult supervision and know everyone’s ability to swim before you go. Also use the buddy system and make sure someone is responsible for another person if they go up missing,” Young said.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention there are an average of 10 drowning deaths a day in the United States, more than 3,500 deaths a year and nearly 80 percent of those who die from drowning are male.

The most likely scenario for drowning victims is in a backyard pool.

“It’s usually younger patients in backyard-type pools who are predominantly male and can get around a little quicker,” Young said. “It’s very important for pool owners to have proper fencing.”

Proper supervision and preparedness can save lives.

“Some of the preventative measures are adult supervision. The majority of these injuries occur in younger patients 1 to 4 years old,” Young said. “It’s important for a supervising parent or adult to have CPR skills. CPR is a tool for all of us now, both youth and adults.”

FAST FACTS

Children 1 to 4 have the highest drowning rate and most drownings occur in home swimming pools.

Factors that influence drowning include lack of swimming ability, lack of close supervision, lack of barriers, failure to wear a life jacket alcohol use and seizure disorder.

Barriers such as pool fencing can prevent young children from gaining access to pools. A four-sided isolation fence separating the pool area from the house and yard reduces a child’s risk of drowning by 83 percent compared to three-sided fencing.

Failure to wear life jackets while boating is another cause of drowning. In 2010, 4,604 boating incidents were reported to the U.S. Coast Guard and 3,153 boaters were injured. Of those 672 died with 72 percent of boating deaths attributed to drowning.

Alcohol use is involved in 70 percent of deaths associated with water recreation.

Taking part in formal swimming lessons reduces the risk of drowning for kids age 1 to 4.

Tips to stay safe in or around water

Supervisors of preschool children should be close enough to reach out and touch the child at all times.

Adults should not be involved in distracting activities because drowning happens quietly and quickly. Always swim with a buddy. Learn CPR. Air-filled or foam toys aren’t safety devices.