2020 Water Safety for Ricewood MUD
We are once again in the heat of a Houston summer, and we know what that means: it's hot outside! What sounds more refreshing during the summer than taking a swim in a pool, the ocean, or a lake? Fun for the whole family, outdoor water activities are a ‘must’ during this time of year.
Unfortunately, it is also during this time that there is a greater risk for water-related accidents. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), drowning is a major cause for accidental death in children ages 1 to 4. It is widely known that a child can drown in less than 2 inches of water. Consequently, many parents and caregivers keep a close eye on the kids when they are enjoying aquatics.
What may be less widely known, is that children are susceptible to “dry drowning”. Some people may have heard of dry drowning as a drowning event that occurs days or weeks after swimming. According to the Mayo Clinic’s Dr. Michael Boniface, this isn’t true. There are two types of drowning. The first is when fluid enters the lungs instead of oxygen. This accounts for about half of the estimated 3,500 drowning fatalities per year. The other type, often referred to as “dry drowning”, occurs during a laryngospasm. A laryngospasm is a “reflex that happens to prevent fluid from getting into the lungs.” During this event, water does not enter the lungs, however, the vocal cords spasm and close, restricting the airway. This can happen in water or it can happen by simply getting water in one’s mouth.
From this video hosted on app.com some symptoms of “dry drowning” are as follows:
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Persistent coughing
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Bluish, purple, or white lips
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Difficulty breathing
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Lethargy
Both types of drowning have the same solution – prevention. For this reason, safety is paramount. Here are some tips for staying safe during aquatic fun.
- Never leave children unattended around water.
- Install safety gates around the pool.
- Always stay within arm’s reach of small children while swimming.
- Closely supervise little ones who are using flotation devices.
- Take turns keeping watch over kids while they are in the water.
- Teach your children about water safety and drowning awareness.
- Do not swim near a drainage pipe or in a ditch.
- Avoid swallowing or ingesting pool or lake water.
- Have your kids take swim lessons.
- Learn CPR.
- Never dive into shallow water.
- Always swim with a buddy.
Remember that whatever you and your family are doing this summer, safety is key. Beat the heat while protecting your littles and making memories that will last a lifetime.
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