The thought of a child drowning is something that nobody wants to talk about. It’s scary. Scary to think about it happening to your child, your grandchild or the child you are caring for. Scarier still are the massive amounts of statistics about drowning accidents:
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Drowning is the second leading cause of unintentional injury death for children ages 1 to 14 years, and the fifth leading cause for people of all ages. (CDC)
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Drowning is a leading cause of injury-related deaths among children ages five and under. (CalDDS)
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Three children die every day as a result of drowning. (CDC)
Those statistics are hard to read, we know! However, we want you to know that drowning is preventable!
By following the Safer 3 principles: Safer pool, Safer people and safer response, you will be taking proactive steps to ensure that a drowning does not happen on your watch! Being prepared and knowing how to safely respond to a drowning will increase the likelihood that your loved one won’t become another scary statistic.
Three Ways You Can Create a Safer Response
1. Having a plan of action and being prepared.
This is the first step towards providing a safer response should the unthinkable happen. Knowing what to do, how to do it and when are crucial in those first minutes after an accident.
2. Have a phone out by the pool at all times.
Calling 9-1-1 immediately ensures that emergency personnel will be there as soon as possible to assist you. The phone is there as an aid and should not become a distraction to the person supervising the pool!
3. Learn CPR (cardiopulmonary resuscitation)
Knowing how to perform CPR is not solely for medical professionals. Learning CPR and first aid ensures that precious time is not wasted waiting for medical personnel to arrive. Don’t get caught wringing your hands in worry waiting for EMTs when you can actively start helping the person yourself!
What You Need to Know About CPR
CPR saves lives and anyone can learn how to administer it! It is the single, most important thing that can be done by anyone to help someone who stops breathing and can double or triple the person’s chance of survival.* 88% of people needing CPR are at home at the time, which means the life you save is likely to be someone at home: a child, a spouse, a parent or a friend.* By learning how to administer CPR you will be a part of the 30% of people in the United States that are able to provide a safer response during a drowning or other cardiac life threatening event.
Currently, “hands only” CPR is being advocated as it is easier for the person delivering CPR. It should be noted, however, that while helpful, “hands only” CPR is not effective on children or drowning victims of any age. Those administering CPR to drowning victims should use both chest compressions AND CPR breathing techniques.
*Information from the American Heart Association
Where Can I Learn Proper CPR Techniques?
There are many opportunities and places where you can learn CPR. One of those places is right here at Sea Otter Swim Lessons! We will be holding a CPR class on October 21st and would love to see you and help you be a part of a safer response for your family. You can also find classes through the American Heart Association and your local park and recreation department.
We know that thinking about your child, or any child drowning is nearly unimaginable. However, being proactive and knowing what to do in the event of a drowning is crucial to keeping your family and loved ones safer. Here at Sea Otter Swim Lessons, we are committed to teaching your kids how to swim safer as well as teaching you how to keep your kids safer around the water.
If you’d like more information about our upcoming CPR class please give us a call today at (916) 660-9492.