Drowning deaths are preventable with education, by being vigilant, and by being prepared. When I was younger I almost drowned and almost caused the drowning of two of my loved ones because I wasn't truthful. In the United States alone approximately 900 children, ages 0 to 19 die each year from unintentional drowning and another 3,700 adults die as well. At Cornell University, every university student must take a swimming class and pass in order to graduate. This incentive was set up because a mother lost her college age son to a drowning incident and she wanted to honor him in such a way that no one else dies by drowning who attends Cornell University. You see, one person can make a difference in the lives of thousands.
How can we prevent swimming deaths?
Wear, Wear, Wear a personal flotation device called a life jacket especially on a boat or anytime you, children, and others are near near deep water.
Make sure to have children take a swim test to assess their swimming abilities.
Always be vigilant when you are watching infants and toddlers, children, and teens. It's important to be vigilant even if you near children swimming and extra pair of eyes is always helpful.
Make sure you have an alarm on your pool gate and that your pool is always covered when it is not being supervised or it has a cover on it.
Teach children and teens about being pool smart. Children and teens should know that pools can slant down quickly, pools are fun but dangerous too, and know before you go which means don't just jump into any pool without knowing the depth of it and what it means.
Teach children and teens when it is okay to dive head first and when it isn't.
Teach infants, children, teens, and adults how to swim.
Take a class and practice, practice, practice some more at a gym, neighborhood community pool, or etc.
Learn the rules and be willing to follow them before you venture off from the day.
From the desk of Esther Kamoche Robinson 05.11.23 EST 7:37 am
Sources:
Maryland US Coast Guard Boating Course
Mixed Media and Real Life Experience
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