CPR and Water Safety: What Every Swimmer Should Know

With the summer months approaching, many people will be spending more time in the water. It is important to recognize your swimming ability and not overestimate it. Whether you’re a swimmer or not, there are many things to consider when it comes to your safety while swimming. While learning CPR and basic water safety is definitely recommended, here are some additional tips that can help keep everyone safe this summer! Using a life preserver is a critical safety measure that can prevent drowning in emergencies.

Water Safety 101

It’s important to know how to prevent water emergencies, as well as what to do if one occurs. When an emergency occurs, quick and effective action through training in drowning CPR can significantly increase the chances of survival. Here are some detailed tips on how you can stay safe in and around water:

Rescue breathing is a critical step in the CPR process specifically for drowning victims. It involves delivering five breaths to help provide oxygen, distinguishing it from standard CPR.

Supervision and Awareness

1. Supervise Children Closely

• Young Children: Always keep young children within arm’s reach. Drowning can occur quickly and silently.

• Infants and Toddlers: Use “touch supervision,” meaning that you are always within arm’s reach of the child.

• Older Children: Even children who can swim need constant supervision. Designate a “water watcher” to keep an eye on swimmers. Rotate the duty among responsible adults to ensure continuous vigilance.

2. Know the Water Depth

• Shallow Water: Ensure you know the depth before diving to prevent head and neck injuries. Always enter the water feet first unless it’s a designated diving area.

• Marking Depths: Pools should have depth markers visible. Be aware of deep ends and shallow areas. Teach children to respect these boundaries.

3. Learn to Swim

• Swimming Lessons: Ensure everyone in your family knows how to swim. Enroll in swimming lessons if necessary, starting with basic skills like floating and progressing to more advanced techniques.

• Water Comfort: Practice floating, treading water, and other basic survival skills. Regular practice can build confidence and competence in the water. Adolescents are at a higher risk of drowning in natural bodies of water, so it's crucial to emphasize awareness and prevention strategies in these settings.

Avoiding Alcohol and Drugs

• Avoid Alcohol While Swimming

  • Impaired Judgment: Alcohol slows reflexes and impairs judgment, increasing the risk of accidents.

  • Increased Risk of Drowning: Alcohol consumption is a leading contributor to drowning accidents. Avoid drinking before or while swimming to stay alert and safe.

General Safety Practices

1. Buddy System

• Never Swim Alone: Always swim with a buddy. It’s safer and more enjoyable. The buddy system ensures that there is always someone to help in case of an emergency. Recognizing the signs of a drowning person, such as struggling to keep their head above water, is crucial, and immediate assistance is often necessary to prevent tragedy.

2. Use Life Jackets

• Proper Fit: Wear a life jacket that fits properly. They are especially important for children, weak swimmers, and those participating in water sports.

• Approved: Ensure the life jacket is approved for the type of water activity you are engaging in.

3. Learn Basic Water Rescue Skills

• Reach, Throw, Don’t Go: If someone is in trouble, use a reaching or throwing assist rather than entering the water yourself. This can include using a pole, rope, or flotation device.

• First Aid: Know basic first aid for water-related injuries, including how to treat hypothermia, cuts, and water inhalation. Consider taking a first aid and CPR course. Developing swimming skills is essential for both adults and children to respond effectively in emergencies, as these skills can be easily forgotten in panic situations.

What if a Family Member Has a Life-Threatening Condition?

In the event of a life-threatening condition such as an allergic reaction, asthma attack, or stroke, prompt action is critical:

Immediate Actions for a Drowning Victim

1. Call 9-1-1 Immediately

   • Emergency Services: Do not delay calling emergency services. Provide clear and precise information about your location and the condition of the person.

2. Unconscious but Breathing Normally

   • Recovery Position: Lay the person on their side with their head tilted back slightly to maintain an open airway and wait for help.

3. Difficulty Breathing

   • Check for Obstructions: If they are choking, check if they can cough forcefully to clear the airway.

   • Back Blows and Abdominal Thrusts: Perform back blows and abdominal thrusts if necessary to expel any blockages. If the person loses consciousness, begin CPR immediately.

CPR and Water Safety

CPR (Cardio-Pulmonary Resuscitation) is a lifesaving technique that can be performed on land or in water. Knowing how to perform CPR can save lives. Maintaining blood flow during CPR is crucial to prevent brain damage, especially in drowning emergencies.

When performing CPR on a drowning victim, it is important to use specific techniques such as chest compressions and rescue breaths to ensure effective resuscitation.

Importance of CPR

1. When to Perform CPR

• Unconscious and Not Breathing: Only perform CPR on unconscious individuals who are not breathing.

• Trained Individuals: Ensure that CPR is performed by someone trained in the technique to avoid causing harm.

2. How to Perform CPR

• Chest Compressions: Perform chest compressions at a rate of 100-120 compressions per minute. Compress at least 2 inches deep for adults, about 2 inches for children, and 1.5 inches for infants.

• Rescue Breaths: After every 30 compressions, give 2 rescue breaths. Ensure the airway is open by tilting the head back and lifting the chin. For drowning victims, rescue breathing involves delivering five breaths initially to provide oxygen, which is crucial in drowning CPR.

3. Risks of CPR

• Potential Injuries: Performing CPR carries risks, including rib fractures. However, the benefits outweigh the risks in life-threatening situations.

Getting Trained in Rescue Breathing

1. CPR Certification

   • Accredited Courses: Get certified in CPR, first aid, and AED (Automated External Defibrillator) usage through accredited courses offered by organizations like the Red Cross or American Heart Association.

2. Regular Refreshers

   • Stay Updated: Regularly refresh your skills and stay updated with the latest CPR guidelines.

Additional Water Safety Tips

Chemical Safety in Pools

1. Chemical Awareness

   • Chlorine and Bromine: Be aware that chemicals used in pools can irritate skin and eyes or cause allergic reactions. Always follow pool guidelines regarding chemical exposure.

   • Shower Before and After Swimming: This helps reduce the risk of irritation and infection by removing chemicals and contaminants from the skin.

Staying Hydrated

• Drink Water: Drink plenty of water to stay hydrated, especially when swimming for extended periods. Dehydration can occur even while swimming, so take regular breaks to drink water.

Life Jackets and Preparation

1. Proper Equipment

• Swimming Gear: Use appropriate gear such as goggles to protect your eyes, swim caps to protect hair, and flotation devices for weak swimmers or those not confident in deep water. In emergencies, a life preserver is crucial for water safety and rescue, distinguishing it from inflatable objects.

2. Auto-Injectors for Allergies

• EpiPens: If anyone in your family has severe allergies, ensure they have an auto-injector (EpiPen) nearby when swimming. Make sure all family members know how to use it in an emergency. Proper training in using emergency equipment like EpiPens is essential to respond effectively in critical situations.

Swimming Skills and Pool Safety

1. Fences and Gates

   • Secure Pool Areas: Install fences around pools with self-closing and self-latching gates to prevent unsupervised access. This is especially important for households with young children.

2. Pool Covers

   • Safety Covers: Use pool covers when the pool is not in use to prevent accidental falls. Ensure that the cover is secure and can support the weight of a person.

3. Drain Safety

   • Anti-Entrapment Drains: Ensure pools have compliant drain covers to prevent entrapment. Teach children to avoid playing near drains and suction fittings.

Conclusion

Water safety is a serious issue, and it's important to take steps to protect yourself and your loved ones. If you're planning on going swimming this summer or anytime soon, make sure that everyone in your family knows how to swim and has the proper equipment in case something goes wrong. Learning CPR and basic water safety can save lives, and being prepared for emergencies can make all the difference. Enjoy the water safely and responsibly!