Facts to Know About Preventing Drowning

Here are some facts you should know that will certainly help you prevent drowning:

. If you don't know how to swim well, find someone to teach you. Learn to float and tread water too. Call your local pool and ask if they have classes for young adults.

. Avoid swimming or boating in high running water. Check water conditions with a raft company, boating store, local park staff or sheriff marine patrol before setting out.

. Never dive or jump into unfamiliar or shallow water. Check for submerged objects and make sure the water is at least 10 to 12 feet deep.

. Check how cold or fast the water is running before you jump in. Respond quickly if someone calls for help. Your friend may really be in trouble.

. Never use alcohol or drugs while you're swimming, diving or in a boat. Alcohol's effects are heightened by the weather, water and boat movement.

. Learn what to do for a water rescue or when someone stops breathing. Learn CPR. If you are tired, rest and stay out of the water.

. Wear a life jacket when you're boating, inner tubing, rafting and every time while swimming. This will surely prevent you from drowning.

. At public beaches, swim only in areas set aside for swimming. Don't allow children to swim in drainage ditches or other water-filled areas not intended for swimming. . Child safety at residential pools and natural bodies of water:

. Childhood drownings and near drownings happen in seconds. Drownings usually take place when there is a brief lapse in supervision or when children are left unattended.

. Layers of protection are key in preventing drownings. Install barriers which include, four-sided isolation fencing, self-closing, self-latching doors and gates (that open outward), automatic sliding door closets, door alarms, automatic pool covers, pool nets, and placing locks on doors out of reach of children.

. Supervision is no substitute for barriers, and barriers are no substitute for supervision. They work together.

. A baby can drown in just one inch (2.5 centimeters) of water. A curious toddler can fall into a toilet, bucket or fish tank. Never leave a child alone in the bathtub or in the care of another child. Drain water from the tub immediately after use.

. Empty buckets and other containers immediately after use. Don't leave them outside, where they may accumulate water. Install childproof locks on toilet lids.

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