SPRING INTO SUMMER WITH POOL SAFETY

By Erica Lynch, Aquatics Director Floyd County YMCA

May is National Water Safety Month, and spring is certainly in the air. With it, comes the anticipation of Memorial Day weekend, which marks the opening of most public and/or private outdoor swimming pools. While swimming pools offer us a great place to relax and enjoy ourselves, they are one of the highest risk areas that we can visit.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, drowning is the second leading cause of injury-related death among children under age 15. Here are some layers of protection that can be put in place to make your pool experience safer.

Seven Layers of Protection

1.    Barriers. Fences can be placed around residential pools so children cannot have unsupervised access to swimming pools. Alarms can also be placed on doors leading to residential pools so caretakers can be notified when a child is trying to gain access to these pools. In addition, a pool cover can prevent a child from falling in the pool.

2.    Supervision. Select pools where lifeguards are on duty whenever possible. When visiting a pool where a lifeguard is not on duty, always designate a responsible adult to supervise children swimming or playing in and around water. The supervising adult should treat this as a primary activity and not allow secondary activities (such as reading, texting, talking on the phone, or mowing the lawn) to distract them. In addition, children should “buddy up” with someone of like size and swimming ability. Then, if one buddy is having difficulty, the other buddy can signal or call for help.

3.    Learn to swim. Swimming lessons are an excellent way for children and adults to explore the water and develop skills to become safer around the water. Swimming lessons can aid individuals in overcoming their fear of the water while building self-confidence and self-esteem. Swimming lessons, though, should not be treated as a primary means of drowning prevention. Other protection layers, such as barriers and supervision, should always be in place as well.

4.    Rules of the facility. When visiting a swimming facility for the first time, take some time to become familiar with the facility layout and any other possible danger areas. Read and obey the rules, which are put in place so patrons can enjoy their time in a safe environment.

5.    Alcohol use. Individuals who are drinking alcohol or are consuming other drugs should not be in or around swimming pools. Alcohol and other drugs can decrease the ability of people to use good judgment, thus putting themselves and others in danger. Drugs can reduce the physical capabilities of a person, thus putting them and others at risk of drowning. People who have been drinking alcohol or are under the influence of other drugs should never supervise children while they are swimming.

6.    Use PFDs. PFDs, also known as personal floatation devices or life jackets, must be U.S. Coast Guard approved. A U.S. Coast Guard stamp of approval can be found on the inside of the life jacket. The stamp will include necessary information such as the type and intended use of the vest (Type I, II, III, or V), user weight, and user chest size. In order to work properly, life jackets should be worn with all the buckles fastened and straps tied. They should be snug-fitting and not allow the child’s chin or ears to slip through. Noodles, water wings, or any other inflatable devices should never be used in place of a PFD, as these devices are not designed to keep swimmers safe from drowning.

7.    Rescue skills. Learn rescue skills, such as rescue breathing and cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR). CPR training can provide you with the information needed to recognize an emergency situation and the rescue skills necessary to respond appropriately. The presence and response of an individual with rescue skills (a lay responder) can make a difference in a person’s life and outcome of a drowning situation.

Think of the YMCA of Southern as your safety partner as we enjoy the summer together. For more information, call the Clark of Floyd County branch at 283-9622.