Whether you’re splashing in your backyard pool, are planning a trip to the beach, or a boating enthusiast, a lesson in CPR can help protect your loved ones in case of an emergency. It’s no joking matter, drowning happens quickly and often silently. Knowing what to do can mean the difference between life or death if your day of fun takes a scary turn. Luckily, there are things you can do to make your day of fun on the water safer and happier for everyone. Check out our water safety tips below!
4 Tips You Need To Know About Water Safety And CPR To Keep Your Family Safe
Enroll In A CPR Class So You Know What To Do In An Emergency
Enroll in a CPR course such as we offer at Home Hazard Prevention!A CPR course can give you the confidence to know that in an emergency, you will know how to react and can save lives. When someone is drowning or hurt, lifesaving CPR will help you be prepared and can save valuable minutes. According to the American Heart Association when CPR is administered in the first few minutes of cardiac arrest, it can double or even triple your chances of survival before medical personnel arrives. That’s odds I would want my loved ones to have in an emergency.
Have The Safety Equipment You Need Nearby
Check out your safety equipment. Anytime you’re near the water including in your home pool, you need to have quick access to:
• A cell phone
• Life jackets
• A throwing ring or reaching equipment
• A first-aid kit
Stock your home pool with these essentials. If you’ve headed to any water recreation area, take a quick look around to make sure these items are accessible. If you don’t find them, take an extra minute before swimming and locate these valuable items. This simple check is even more important in places where there are no lifeguards on duty such as small apartment pools.
In An Emergency, Check The Water First
Whether your child has wandered off, or an adult is suddenly missing the very first place you should check is the water. Emergencies in the water can happen quickly and silently. By checking the water first, you can save valuable minutes that can make a big difference in a drowning situation or a water emergency. Water accidents happen quickly, so don’t waste time and check the water first!
Know What Drowning Looks Like
Know the signs of aquatic distress can help you know when someone needs help fast. Look for these signs.
• The swimmer is not able to tread water or move forward
• Sometimes a person in distress will push their arms down to their sides in an attempt to keep their head above water. They may also be tilting their head back and may be gasping.
• Often a person in distress will have their head low in the water with their mouth near the water level. They may also have their eyes closed or have their hair over their eyes.
• A person in distress may or may not be calling for help. Don’t assume a person is playing around. Teach children to yell for help only when they are in distress, and not when simply playing in the water.
These tips will help give you peace of mind, so your family has a safe and fun time around the water. Have you ever been in a situation where you needed to use CPR by when swimming or boating? Do you have any questions about water safety and CPR classes? Contact us or tell us in the comments.