Death and injuries from drowning occur daily in pools and hot tubs, at the beach or in ocean, lakes, rivers and streams, bathtubs, and even buckets. It can take just a matter of seconds before you are face with a life-threatening event. Practicing water safety can make a positive impact for any possible life-threatening events and prevent deaths and injuries from occurring. Knowing what to do in an emergency can make a significant impact on life or death.
Here are a few things you can do in the event of an emergency:
- If a child is missing, check the water first. Every second matters and could prevent death or disability.
- Alert the lifeguard, if no one is present.
- Recognize signs for help. Danger can present itself in variouss ways such as:
- Are not coming up toward the water.
- Are vertical in water but unable to move or tread water.
- Are motionless and face down in the water.
- Rescue and remove person from the water (without putting yourself in danger).
- Ask someone to call 9-1-1.
- Begin rescue breathing and CPR.
- Use an AED if available and transfer care to advanced life support or first responders.
Take a look at the Water Safety Tips below provided by the american Red Cross. For more information about Water Safety, please visit Water Safety | American Red Cross.
