Last night I read a very sad news story on Facebook
about a 4 year old girl that drowned in a lake back home. I had taken my oldest son to that very lake to swim in on his first birthday. I also know countless people who enjoy this marked
swimming area on a regular basis. And it really made me stop and think about
just how important water safety is.
Outside of being a blogger, and hopeful author &
photographer, my full time job is being a lifeguard at the "Happiest Place
on Earth."
I love my job, and I take pride in the fact that I
am there to help keep everyone safe and help them enjoy the pool on their
vacation.
However, not every pool has a lifeguard, and even
in pools that are guarded, accidents can happen.
Over 10 deaths a day occur from unintentional
drowning. Of these deaths, two of them are usually children under the age of
14.
In most cases drowning
is preventable, if you remember that water safety is very important.
Here are just a few tips, from a certified
lifeguard, to help you enjoy your summer at the pools, lakes and beaches
safely:
1. Learn to swim, and teach your children to swim.
Many city and private pools offer swimming lessons during the summer. There are
even infant water safety classes!
2. Never leave children unattended around ANY
source of water. I have heard horrible stories of children drowning in buckets,
bathtubs, and even washing machines. Children love water and are curious in
nature. Remember that it only takes 30 seconds to drown, and you can drown in 2
inches of water.
3. Even if you are a great swimmer, never swim
alone. Natural occurrences, beyond your control, could cause you to need
assistance in getting out of the water. If you are with someone, you have a greater
chance of surviving these types of situations.
4. Remember that a lifeguard's biggest blind spot
is right below their feet. Never leave your children to swim in the pool
without your supervision even with lifeguards; and please don't tell them to swim
directly under the lifeguard's feet.
5. If you are swimming in an area that has lifeguards, teach your
children that the lifeguards are good and there to help. Many times I hear
people ridicule lifeguards in front of their children and argue about the rules
we enforce. The rules we are enforcing are for you and your children's safety.
As a lifeguard, the last thing I want to do is to tell you no, but I will do it
if I feel like it is important to your well-being.
6. Use safety equipment that is available to you. If your children are
not strong swimmers, and your pool hands out lifejackets, use them! Your kids
will be happy to be able to swim freely; And you will be able to enjoy the
water knowing your kid is safe.
7.
Follow pool rules and look at pool markings! If the marker says it is too shallow to
dive, it probably is. If the water is over your head, and you are not a
great swimmer, you should probably find somewhere else to swim.
8. If an emergency happens, it is always best to be prepared. Learn basic water rescue techniques and CPR. Also, find out where the nearest AED is
located. You do not need to be trained to use an AED, it will instruct you while in use!
Here
are more tips and statistics for you on water safety:
Have
a safe and happy summer! I hope to see you at the pool!
Peace!
Kelly
Airhart
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