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WATER SAFETY FACTS
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In the United States, drowning is the second leading case of unintentional death for persons ages 5- 44. (Source: Injury Fact Book)
In Hawaii, drowning is the second leading cause of fatal unintentional injuries among 0-17 year-olds. (Source: State Department of Health)
In Hawaii, at least 35 residents drown each year, according to the State Department of Health and County Medical Examiners' Office. Six (6) deaths each year are children 0-17 years old.
Swimming is a skill that must be taught. Although some learn more quickly than others, aquatic skills are not genetically inherited.
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Where do drownings occur most often?
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Swimming pools. According to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, each year emergency departments report about 500 drownings and 3,000 near-drownings in residential swimming pools among children younger than 5 years old.
In Hawaii, about one-third of the drownings (10) occurred in swimming pools. Another third of victims (11) drowned in the ocean. There were 4 drownings in rivers.
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Safe Fun In Pools and Spas
In December, 2008, a federal law was passed that mandated commercial pools and spas must upgrade their drains and pumps to prevent death and injury from drain entrapment.
Commercial pools include condo buildings, residential community centers and private club pools.
Entrapment occurs when part of a child’s body becomes attached to a drain because of the powerful suction of a pool or hot tub’s filtration system.
It also can occur when a child’s hair or swimsuit gets tangled in the drain or on an underwater object, such as a ladder.
Don’t be one of the 66 percent of parents who have little or no awareness about entrapment risks. Find out how to protect your children in pools and hot tubs.
Private pool owners are not required to do this. BUT, for the safety of any of your pool/spa users, especially children, the following actions are recommended:
Speak to a pool/spa maintenance professional about your pool system.
NEVER let a child swim alone.
Stay Away From The Drain. Do not swim or play on the bottom of the pool near the drain.
Wear a swimming cap to enclose hair.
Have more than 1 drain in your pool.
Install an SVRS (safety vacuum release system) in your pool or spa for safety. When a swimmer becomes stuck to a drain or suction outlet in a swimming pool, spa, wading pool or hut tub, the force of the suction will not allow a person to free themselves no matter how good a swimmer they are. This suction entrapment will hold a swimmer in its grip until the grip is broken. The SVRS is a mechanism for rapid vacuum release. It saves lives. It is easy to install and inexpensive.
How can people guard against drowning?
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Learn to swim.
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Never swim alone or in unsupervised places.
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Check the water depth before entering. The American Red Cross recommends 9 feet as a minimum depth for diving or jumping.
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Know the local weather conditions and forecast before swimming or boating.
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Use Coast Guard-approved personal flotation devices (life jackets) when boating, regardless of distance to be traveled, size of boat, or swimming ability of boaters.
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Never drink alcohol during or immediately before boating or other water recreation.
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To prevent choking, never chew gum or eat while swimming, diving, or playing in water.
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Learn CPR. This applies particularly to pool owners and water sports enthusiasts.
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Install telephones near residential pools.
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What are the best ways of preventing children from drowning?
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Make sure an adult is constantly watching young children swimming or playing in water.
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Do not read, play cards, talk on the phone, mow the lawn, or do any other distracting activity while watching children in a bathtub, in a pool of any size, or at the beach.
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Teach children to swim only with a buddy.
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Keep small children away from buckets containing liquid: 5-gallon industrial containers are particularly hazardous.
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Empty buckets when household chores are done.
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Install a four-sided, isolation pool-fence with self-closing and self-latching gates around swimming pools.
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Prevent children from having direct access from the house or yard to a swimming pool.
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Are there special hazards connected with oceans, lakes, and rivers?
Yes. Open water usually has limited visibility, and conditions can sometimes change from hour to hour. Currents are often unpredictable, can move rapidly, or change direction abruptly. Any water current can move even expert swimmers far from shore.
Child Safety Laws and Regulations
Children ages 12 and under must use a properly fitted Coast Guard approved PFD when on deck or underway.
Violations may result in a fine of $50 to $1,000.
Paddling
American Canoe Association (ACA) Rules Of The Road:
WHAT PADDLERS NEED TO KNOW
BE AWARE
First and foremost, please be aware of your surroundings.
BIG BOATS, BRIGHT LIGHTS
Some busy waterways have "lanes of travel" similar to the Interstate highway system. Know the area you plan to paddle.
RIGHTS OF PASSAGE
Learn the channels in your area and what the buoy markers mean.
REMEMBER:
Wear your lifejacket (PFD)
File a float plan
Carry AND drink water
Watch out for the other guy
Plan ahead
Stay with your group
Have a great adventure and come home safely
Source: Sierra Magazine |
Do you recommend water wings for children who cannot swim?
| No. We recommend that no one use water wings. It may provide parents and children a false sense of security, as nothing can replace the ability to swim. |
SAFETY TIPS
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Study the conditions before entering the ocean.
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Observe the activities of others in the ocean (i.e. if everyone is on surfboards, swimming might not be the best activity at that beach).
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Ask the lifeguards.
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Know your limits in the water.
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If in doubt, don't go out.
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Swim in lifeguarded areas.
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Never swim alone.
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Don't dive into unknown water or into shallow breaking waves.
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Check with lifeguard on beach and surf conditions before swimming.
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If you are unable to swim out of a strong current, call or wave for help.
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Rely on your swimming ability rather than floatation apparatus.
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Do not leave valuables unattended on the beach.
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Consumption of alcohol is not allowed on beaches.
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Lifeguards can assist you with your emergency needs while at the beach.
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Link
C/C of Honolulu Ocean Lifeguard Services
http://www.aloha.com:80/~lifeguards/
wsafety.html
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