Read this post to find out.
In essence, if you were expecting a Hollywood style mad splashing and screaming then you probably wouldn't recognise someone drowning. The reality is that people who are drowning aren't able to scream or splash (for reasons which are fully explained in the article) and may simply look like they are treading water if you aren't paying attention.
Which is really useful for me to know particularly now that Gerry is learning to swim.
Granted, at the moment, Gerry doesn't spend any time in water in which he can't stand up. However, sooner or later, he is going to graduate to swimming in deeper water and at this point, it will be important to know how to spot the danger signs (did you know that people who drown tend to be swimmers as non-swimmers, like me, will avoid deep water).
Some of the people posting in the comments are former lifeguards and they posted some really great tips as well. I particularly like the Reach, Throw, Row, Go mnemonic. To quote his post:
"That translates to the preference of trying to assist the person with a reach (either just by hand from poolside or with a rescue crook or other long pole) first, a throwable flotation device (preferably on a line) second, then assisting with a boat, and only swimming out to provide manual assistance as a last resort."
Of course, if you aren't a proper lifeguard, then I guess the first thing you should do is scream for help at the top of your voice!
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4 comments:
Good website, with some sound advice.
Scary to think how dangerous it can be. Thats why we have the gate.
Yeah - I noticed the gate when I was over there but I also have to wonder whether it is locked or not (ie whether children can just open it and go in).
I guess this just boils down to the fact that you can't watch over them 24/7 particularly as they get a little older. Ultimately, I think its extremely important to educate children about not going swimming on their own and to make sure that an adult knows and is watching them before they go.
1. Locked at all times except when the pool is in use
2. Adult supervision at all times when pool is in use
3. Pool deliberately designed shallow (from 1.0m sloping to max of 1.2m) - good enough to swim but shallow enough that my eldest already can stand at the bottom in the shallow end.
We've done all we can to max the safety factor!
hmm - that's strange. The first 2 comments on this post seem to have disappeared (despite the front page still showing 3 comments).
Anyway, really good to see that you have already considered all these points!
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