Wilton Fire Department Shares Water Safety Article

From the Wilton Fire Department: As we embark on #4 in our series of water safety articles, we look at swimming safely in lakes, streams, rivers and the ocean.

Water and Weather Preparedness

• Plan your trip by getting the forecast and knowing where you’ll be enjoying your water borne activities. Approved swim area? Lifeguards on duty?
• Keep an eye out for;
• Unexpected changes in air or water temperature
• Fast moving currents, waves and rapids, even in shallow water
• Hazards such as dams, rocks, debris floating on top of the water or on the bottom. Never dive head first in to an unknown body of water.
• Aquatic life and under water vegetation.
• Sudden drop off, ledge or change in water depth.
• Other people around you including boats.

Water Safety at the Water Front

• Ensure everyone knows how to swim. Tragically, the news has reported that non-swimmers have gotten in to the water and in trouble already this season.
• Swim in designated areas with life guards.
• Keep children under constant supervision. Do not get distracted. A one minute text message could mean the difference between a good day at the lake and a family tragedy.
• Use U.S. Coast Guard approved flotation devices for non-swimmers or weak swimmers. Do not depend on water wings or inflatable toys.
• Always swim with a buddy. (The Boy Scouts have used this system for over 75 years and it works!)

How to Respond

• If someone is missing
  • Check the water first. Every second counts.
  • Alert the on-duty Lifeguard.
  • Don’t wait. Have someone call 9-1- 1.
• If someone is in trouble in the water:
  • Use the reach-throw method. Reach with a pole or other long handled device or throw a buoy or other inflated device.
  • Only go in if you are a trained water rescue person/lifeguard or if you can stand up in the body of water with your head above the water line. A drowning victim will very often pull their rescuer under resulting in a double drowning.

Remember: BLOCK-WATCH- LEARN

• Anyone watching children who are in or around water must understand that drowning happens quickly and suddenly. Never take your eyes off of those you supervise, not even for a moment. (WATCH)
• Any source of water is a potential drowning hazard especially for young children and weak swimmers. (LEARN)
• It’s a known fact that people can drown in as little as 3 inches of water. (LEARN)
• Know how to respond to a swimmer in distress and get everyone to swimming lessons. (LEARN)

For more information on water safety and drown prevention, go to here or here.

Remember: Drowning is not limited to the pool, pond, lake or the ocean. It happened in bath tubs, hot tubs and even 5 gallon water pails.

Photo via Pixabay