Red Cross offers water safety information

MYRTLE BEACH - A new survey conducted by the American Red Cross shows the importance of water safety skills, with half of those surveyed saying they have had a near-drowning experience in their lifetime.

According to a news release, the survey found that 48 percent reported a near-drowning experience, and nearly 1 in 3 said they had a near-drowning scare between the ages of 5 and 15. The national survey of 1,002 adults was conducted in late March in advance of the summer to assess the water activity plans of families and their water safety knowledge and training.

The Red Cross survey found more than 90 percent of people planning to participate in water-related activities this summer. Nearly half of parents - with children between the ages of 3 and 17 - plan to engage in water-related activities where no lifeguard would be on duty. The survey of 1,002 adults was conducted in late March in advance of the summer to assess the water activity plans of families and their water safety knowledge and training, the release said.

“More than ever, with so many families planning unsupervised water-related activities, the Red Cross is urging families in the coastal South Carolina area to learn to swim and learn water safety and lifesaving skills that can help save a life,” said Rocco Salinari, Red Cross director of Health & Safety.

According to a study by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention on water-related injuries, the drowning rate in the United States averages nine people per day with a quarter of fatal drownings involving children 14 and younger. This is why Red Cross recommends swimming in areas supervised by a lifeguard. If no lifeguard is on duty, designate an adult as a “water watcher,” someone who maintains constant supervision of children around any water no matter how well they can swim or how shallow the water, the release said.

“While we are all looking forward to a summer of fun with our family and friends, it’s important to remember that most water-related accidents can be avoided by knowing how to stay safe and following a few simple guidelines,” Salinari said. “Everyone should know how to swim well. We can help families stay safe by teaching skills through Red Cross swimming and water safety programs that teaches children and adults to learn how to swim skillfully and safely.”

The Red Cross survey also found that nearly one in three parents (30 percent) believe that "floaties" are better than supervision. The Red Cross stresses that floaties cannot be used as a substitute for appropriate supervision.

Water safety is also important for pool owners as almost 10 percent of people surveyed had experiences where they nearly drowned in a private pool. Pool owners should know what equipment to have on hand and what to do in case of an emergency to make the home pool or hot tub environment as safe as possible, the release said.

Red Cross is urging water safety with these few simple tips:

Learn to swim well. Contact the local Red Cross or check our website for information on learning how to swim—nearly 2 million people learn to swim each year with Red Cross programs.
Never leave children unattended near water—not even for a moment! Adults should practice “reach supervision,” which means to always be within arm’s length when a young child is near water. For older children–even adults–who are not strong swimmers, practice “active” or constant supervision and make sure they wear U.S. Coast Guard approved personal flotation devices (PFDs) whenever in or around the water.
Know how to respond to an emergency. You should know how to tell if a swimmer is in distress or is drowning and how and when to call for emergency help. You should also learn how to help someone in trouble in water while keeping safe yourself. Do not create a situation where you become a victim as well! Enroll in Red Cross water safety, first aid and CPR courses to learn what to do.
Keep lifesaving gear handy. Always have on hand a ring buoy, life jacket, rope, pole or other object that can be used to help a person in trouble. Remember to have a first aid kit, cordless phone and emergency contact information by the pool.
Know when it’s too dangerous. If you, or someone you are swimming with, appear to be too cold, too far from safety, been exposed to too much sun, or had too much strenuous activity, it is time to head for shore or signal for help.
Eliminate temptation. Backyard pools should have self-closing, self-latching gates that remain locked when the pool is not being used. Kiddie pools should be emptied and toys removed immediately after use. Empty water pales and buckets so small children cannot fall in and drown.
Know what you’re getting into. Check local tides, currents and other conditions which could be dangerous before entering open bodies of water.