Everyone thinks of drowning as something that happens to children. I know in my family, my brother’s death from drowning had a significant impact on my family. But it is not just children that drown, a significant number of adults drown each year.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) , 37 percent of American adults can’t swim the length of a pool, which puts them at risk of being one of the 10 people who drown every day in the United States. See some tips on ways to prevent adult drowning:
- Use the buddy system
- Learn to swim – there are many adult swim classes available at local recreation centers
- Learn CPR
- Air-filled or foam toys are not safety devices
- Avoid alcohol
- Know the local weather conditions and forecast before swimming
If you have a swimming pool at home:
- Install four-sided fencing
- Clear the pool and deck of toys
If you are in and around natural water settings:
- Know the meaning of and obey warnings represented by colored beach flags
- Watch for dangerous waves and signs of rip currents
- If you are caught in a rip current, swim parallel to shore
Whether it is taking a swim class or asking a friend or family member for help it is important to take the safety precautions when around water no matter what. Swimming is fun, especially in this hot Arizona weather – so dust off that paddle board and those flotation devices and practice safe swim rules before diving in the water.
