1. Drowning Risk Reduction and Prevention

2. Drowning Three main factors are involved in drowning incidents, acting either alone or in combination:Three main factors are involved in drowning incidents, acting either alone or in combination: AlcoholAlcohol Insufficient skillInsufficient skill Cold water immersionCold water immersion

3. Drowning Drowning victims are usually young, maleDrowning victims are usually young, male Where do most drownings occur?Where do most drownings occur? –Bodies of water –At home – bathtubs and swimming pools Most drownings take place (predictably) in the summer months.Most drownings take place (predictably) in the summer months.

4. Drowning Prevention Swimming skillsSwimming skills SupervisionSupervision Barriers against trespass (not 100% effective)Barriers against trespass (not 100% effective) Account for pre-existing illnesses or conditionsAccount for pre-existing illnesses or conditions Use swimming aidsUse swimming aids

5. Rules for Swimming Never swim alone or unobservedNever swim alone or unobserved Never dive in unfamiliar watersNever dive in unfamiliar waters Follow same precautions for drinking/drivingFollow same precautions for drinking/driving Follow rules of the pool or beachFollow rules of the pool or beach Learn to swimLearn to swim

6. Countermeasures for Injury Control Drown proofing – limitationsDrown proofing – limitations H.E.L.P.H.E.L.P. HUDDLEHUDDLE Clothing in water? Keep them on!Clothing in water? Keep them on! “Reach, throw, row, and go.”“Reach, throw, row, and go.” Submerged automobile?Submerged automobile?

7. If your car is still afloat Release your seat belt (but not until you land. You won't survive the sinking car if you have not first survived the accident that put you in the water.) Undo the door locks. Get any passengers out of their belts and ready to escape. Roll down the windows. Get any children out the window first. Follow them out. Opening the door is a last resort. Open it only if you cannot, for some reason, get a window down.

8. If the car is submerged There will be pressure on the door and windows, making it almost impossible to push the doors open.There will be pressure on the door and windows, making it almost impossible to push the doors open. Air will be present for several minutesAir will be present for several minutes Roll down window and exit quicklyRoll down window and exit quickly May have to break glassMay have to break glass

9. Countermeasures for Injury Control PFD’s – personal flotation devicesPFD’s – personal flotation devices –Help keep people afloat and face up out of water –Help lessen the likelihood of hypothermia if HELP is used –An absolute MUST for nonswimmers, but should be utilized for anyone in unfamiliar waters –Five types: I, II, III, IV, and V

12. Boating Safety Capsizing and SinkingCapsizing and Sinking CollisionCollision Falling overboardFalling overboard Rules (especially if water is cold)Rules (especially if water is cold) –Stay with boat unless shore is very close –Reduce activity –H.E.L.P. or Huddle

13. Boat Safety Tips Have a “boat plan” – let someone know what you’re doingHave a “boat plan” – let someone know what you’re doing Know boating “rules of the road”Know boating “rules of the road” Make sure someone else on board can operate the boatMake sure someone else on board can operate the boat

14. Boat Safety Tips Have appropriate safety equipment on boardHave appropriate safety equipment on board Have PFD’s on board and insist that people use themHave PFD’s on board and insist that people use them Don’t abuse alcoholDon’t abuse alcohol