SAFETY FIRST
P H O T O C O U R T E S Y O F W AT E R S P O R T S F O U N DAT I O N
BY HELEN AITKEN
Swim Safe
Practice safe swimming to avoid drownings.
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f a child can drown in 2 inches of bathtub water within seconds, imagine how easily a person can drown in a lake or river in the blink of an eye. It’s safer if there’s a lifeguard on duty or if the swimmer is supervised, but other conditions can create a dangerous situation. Between the years 2010 and 2019, 800 drownings occurred along the Great Lakes. Being conscious of the environment and watching for the signs can decrease the possibility of drowning. What are the signs? It’s a misconception to think that only children and non-swimmers are victims; unfortunately, that’s not the case. Under the right conditions, everyone is vulnerable to drowning, including excellent swimmers. The four most common reasons for drowning are: Not wearing a life jacket; having poor swimming skills; abusing alcohol; and hypothermia. Even well-meaning rescuers can become a victim unless they have adequate training. Contrary to general thought, and unlike the movies, drownings are usually quick and quiet. If the victim suffers from an injury or electric shock, the body may be partially floating facing upward or downward. The eyes may be glassy, unable to focus, closed, or with hair covering the eyes or face. Usually the victim is not yelling, thrashing about or waving their hands in the air. Instead, the victim may face the shore, with their body vertical, trying to swim or making a climbing ladder motion. Their mouth may be open at the surface and gulping in water, or the head is tilted backwards, chin up, trying to float on their back, but unable to do so. When is it most likely to happen? The highest number of drownings occur between May and August as the weather gets warmer and people congregate at the water’s edge. Excitement and hyperventilating or holding one’s breath underwater for prolonged periods of time may cause a swimmer to pass out and drown. Overexertion coupled with sun, wind and wave action may bring on physical complaints like headaches and muscle cramps. Taking medications may impair balance, coordination or judgment, and in severe cases bring on seizures, strokes or heart attacks. The potential for drownings takes place in any area where water attracts people: By a dock, near a
boat or at the water’s edge. Lake and river waters hold hidden risks, especially near jetties or slippery rocks, and vegetation can entangle swimmer’s limbs. Near a boat transom or by the dock, swimmers can become immobilized from carbon monoxide poisoning or electric shock. Boating accidents, man overboard situations, or riders that are thrown off towables without wearing a helmet are also vulnerable. Why does it occur? Diving into water without seeing the bottom, or the “cold shock” from cold water immersion with the onset of hypothermia, increases the possibility for injury and drowning — the reflexive initial gasp allows for water to enter the lungs. Below the surface, rip currents can carry a person under water and away from the shore. Rip currents are very common in the Great Lakes. The sudden event may not give the victim time to adjust or call out before going under without a breath. Panic sets in and the victim may swallow water. Above the surface with changing weather, the wind can increase and create choppy waves and strong currents. How can we prevent or reduce drownings? Disorientation, fear and panic increase the possibility of drownings. Increase the odds for survival with knowledge, practice and support. Everyone should learn basic swimming techniques offered at the YMCA, community centers or pools. Enroll in a Red Cross CPR class and learn about safe boating practices from America’s Boating Club (AMERICASBOATINGCLUB.ORG). Water wings can slip off and they won’t keep a swimmer’s head above water, so wear a proper-fitting life jacket. Look for life jacket loaner stations at recreational areas and wear them even while wading. Swim on the surface and with a friend. Obey posted signs and swim in areas with lifeguards present. Without a lifeguard, supervising adults should closely monitor swimmers and be prepared to alert someone or initiate a rescue if trained to do so. If swimming or supervising, avoid alcohol and avoid other activities that take the attention away from the swimmers. Lastly, monitor the weather forecasts; if it appears to be changing, don’t go in the water. ★
HELEN AITKEN is a boating writer, photographer and former science educator from eastern North Carolina. She loves classic wooden boats, is an America’s Boating Club member and plays in the Intracoastal Waterway.
LAKELANDBOATING.COM
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M AY 2022
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