Summer’s Hidden Danger: How to Keep Your Loved Ones Safe from Drowning
As the sun shines brighter and temperatures rise, many families head to pools, lakes, and beaches to cool off and enjoy summer fun. But amidst the laughter and splashing, a silent threat looms: drowning. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports that drowning is a leading cause of accidental death, particularly among young children, and these incidents often happen quietly, with little warning.
The Unseen Peril in the Pool
Picture a bustling summer pool party. Kids are diving and playing, parents are chatting and grilling, and everyone seems to be having a great time. But in an eye-opening experiment conducted by ABC’s Gio Benitez, the stark reality of how quickly and quietly drowning can occur was brought to light. During the simulation, several trained lifeguards mimicked drowning in a busy pool, and the results were shocking: most parents failed to notice until it was almost too late.
Drowning doesn’t look like the dramatic, splashing scenes often portrayed in movies. Instead, it’s frequently silent and swift. A person in distress might not make any noise, as they struggle just to keep their head above water. In crowded settings like pool parties, this can easily go unnoticed unless someone is specifically assigned to watch the water.
Why It’s Easy to Miss the Signs
At home pools and private parties, where professional lifeguards are rarely present, the responsibility of monitoring the water often falls on parents or caregivers who might be distracted by socializing or attending to other children. In such environments, having a “Water Watcher” – a dedicated person whose sole job is to keep their eyes on the pool – can be a lifesaver. This role should rotate every 15 minutes to ensure the watcher stays alert and focused.
Safety expert Shayak Sonoda emphasizes the importance of constant vigilance. “Drowning is swift and silent. It's crucial to have someone dedicated to watching the water at all times,” he says. “In many cases, distractions, even momentary ones like checking a phone, can lead to tragedy.”
Steps to Enhance Water Safety
Designate a Water Watcher: Always have an adult assigned to watch the water. This person should avoid any distractions and focus solely on monitoring swimmers.
Use Brightly Colored Swimsuits: Bright colors are easier to spot underwater, making it simpler to keep track of children and quickly identify if someone is struggling.
Enroll in Swim Lessons: Ensure that both children and adults take swim lessons. Knowing how to swim is a crucial skill that can save lives.
Equip with Life Jackets: For children and inexperienced swimmers, wearing life jackets in and around water is an extra layer of protection.
Learn CPR
In the event of a drowning incident, immediate CPR can be critical. Taking a CPR course is a valuable skill for any parent or caregiver.
Avoid Alcohol: Stay sober while supervising children in water. Alcohol impairs judgment and reaction time, increasing the risk of accidents.
A Call to Action for All Parents
For Sonoda, who tragically lost his son to drowning in a backyard pool, the mission to raise awareness is deeply personal. “It happens so fast, and it’s so quiet. You have to be on high alert whenever you’re around water,” he urges. His advocacy highlights the need for proactive measures and continuous education on water safety.
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