It might be difficult to find efficient methods of
injury prevention. The 12 convenient ways to avoid drowning are outlined in the
following paragraphs.
Swimming and recognizing water risks are musts
Taking part in organized swimming lessons might help reduce the likelihood of accidental drowning. 1–5. Even after learning how to swim, children still need to be closely supervised whenever they are near water.
Life jacket on
Everyone, regardless of age or swimming ability, may
benefit from wearing a life jacket when on a boat. Children should always wear
life vests while they are in or near open bodies of water. For this reason,
life jackets are not only for children; people of all ages who aren't strong
swimmers may benefit from wearing them while they're near bodies of water or
swimming pools. Foam or air-filled toys are not reliable safety tools.
Complete pool fence is required
Install a fence around the pool on all four sides to
keep children and pets safe and keep them from getting too close to the home.
Remove any toys around the pool area that might tempt kids to get in.
Keep watchful
Whenever kids are near water, an adult should be designated
to keep a watchful eye on them (including bathtubs). Once children have access
to water, a responsible adult may be designated to monitor them individually.
Drowning is a silent and swift killer, so it's crucial that adults keeping an
eye on children around water don't become distracted by things like reading,
talking on the phone, or using drugs or alcohol.
Learn Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR)
Before the
arrival of medical professionals, you may be able to save a person's life by
doing cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR).
Acquaint yourself with the dangers of natural water sources
Dangerous
currents or waves, rocks, foliage, and a lack of vision are just a few of the
hidden dangers that lurk in lakes, rivers, and seas.
Know the weather
Any time you plan on being in, on, or near water, make
sure you check the weather beforehand. Extreme weather, such as flash floods,
high winds, and lightning storms, may develop suddenly in the area.
Steer clear of booze (Don't drink alcohol)
Don't consume
alcohol before getting into the water or while boating or swimming. Do not
consume alcohol if you are overseeing minors. Alcohol lowers one's inhibitions,
coordination, and judgement.
Pair-up with friends
You should never go swimming alone. When feasible, go
to a swimming spot that has attendants nearby. People at higher risk of
drowning due to epilepsy or other medical issues might benefit the most from
the buddy system.
Consider the effects of medications
If your prescription causes you to lose your balance,
coordination, or judgement, you should not go swimming. This complication
raises the possibility of drowning. Anxiety and other mental health drugs are
only two examples of those that may cause these kinds of unwanted effects in
certain patients.
Medical issues need greater attention
If you or a loved one has epilepsy, you should
exercise extreme caution near bodies of water, such as swimming pools, and
provide constant, one-on-one monitoring. It may be more practical to use a
shower instead of a bath.
Don't hold your breath for long periods or hyperventilate
Do not encourage hyperventilation or prolonged breath-holding in swimmers before they enter the water. It's possible that this will make them lose consciousness, leading to their drowning.
To create awareness, you may choose to download and share 10 free theme cards based on the WHO World Drowning Prevention Day 2022. You can download theme cards by clicking here or the download link given below. The download is safe, and error free.
Drowning Day Theme Cards (ZIP file)
