Swimming, CPR, and Pool Safety: Tips for Surviving the Summer

By Brandi Goodman

The summer season is a time for fun in the sun, but it also has the potential for danger. Swimming is one of the most common summer activities people enjoy, yet it can lead to chaos if people aren’t careful. Pool safety tips and knowing CPR are necessary if you hope to survive the summer without any mishaps in the water.

Nobody needs a senseless tragedy.

Why Should People Know How to Swim?

Learning to swim is a necessary skill for anyone who plans on being around the water. Whether you’re walking along the shore of a beach or out in a boat, knowing how to swim and getting yourself to safety should an emergency situation arise is paramount. You never know when a storm may hit, causing the water to knock you off your feet, or a boat may overturn. There are truly too many dangerous situations that can arise where water is concerned. Having at least basic swimming skills could be the difference between life and death.

Ensure that everyone in your household takes swim lessons. They are typically offered at a local pool or fitness center. Some schools even require swim lessons for students by a certain grade. Ask around, or look online to find lessons, and get signed up before summer arrives.

How Prevalent Is Drowning (By Age)?

Drowning is the leading cause of death for children in the summer months. It occurs most commonly to those aged 1 to 4 years old. July, and then June, see the highest number of drowning deaths for any age group. Throughout the year, roughly 4,000 people in total die from drowning in the U.S. alone. That number jumps to 236,000 worldwide. Drowning is the third-leading cause of death related to unintentional injuries.

Children ages 5 to 14 are killed most predominantly in car accidents, but drowning is a close second. Overall, nearly 80 percent of all drownings are males. For every one child under 18 who dies in a drowning, another seven undergo emergency treatment because of a drowning accident.

Drowning is far too prevalent, and precautions need to be taken in every state to save lives. The number of water deaths has increased exponentially, making this a public health emergency. Some cities have added life jackets and safety equipment to popular parks, but much more needs to be done to get this under control. You have to do your part to keep your own family protected.

What Is the Importance of CPR?

If you’ve never performed CPR, now is the time to undergo CPR training. Knowing how to perform cardiopulmonary resuscitation could mean the difference between saving the life of someone who has taken in too much water or them succumbing to it. When a person’s heart stops beating, you can begin chest compressions to force blood to move from the heart to other vital organs in the body. This keeps those organs alive. You can buy the person time until the first responders get there and they can take over.

How Should I Keep Kids Safe Around the Pool?

Keeping kids safe around the pool is possible as long as you keep some safety tips in mind at all times and ensure everyone is following the rules. Adult supervision is always necessary for anyone under the age of 18. Young children, especially, need to be watched, and not just while in the water. Any time kids are outside with a pool in the vicinity, they should be looked after carefully to avoid unintentional drowning.

Whether you have an above-ground or in-ground pool, you need a fence around it to keep kids out. Make sure there is a safety latch in place that little ones cannot reach, ensuring you are the one who has to open it and allow them inside. Pool alarms are also worthwhile. Install an alarm on both your interior door that leads to the pool and the gate to enter so you can hear if your child -- or one who’s not your child -- opens either one.

If you have an above-ground pool, keep the ladder to climb into the pool away from it when it’s not being used. Curious children may climb the ladder with no intention of swimming, yet fall inside.

What Are Some Additional Rules for Staying Safe in the Water?

Some of the water rules you need to know depend on where you’re swimming or engaging in water recreation activities. No matter where you are, you must wear the appropriately colored bathing suit for the environment. For example, no blue bathing suits should be worn in a pool, while no brown or darkly colored suits should be worn to the beach. Something bright that stands out is ideal so you can be seen and found more easily.

Pools

If you have a home pool, make sure there are drain covers. Anyone who gets close to an uncovered drain has the potential to get hurt. Whether your hair gets stuck inside or a body part does, you may not be able to dislodge yourself easily and make it back to the surface.

Lakes and Rivers

When swimming or boating in lakes and rivers that are deep and vast, you should always wear a life jacket. It improves your chance of survival should an emergency situation arise. If you do not have a life jacket on you, then you should stay near the shore and never venture out too far.

Hot Tubs

A hot tub can also bring about complications. First, they are not intended for children. Many venues that offer hot tub access do not allow anyone under the age of 16 inside. They are also not ideal for anyone who is impaired, has low blood pressure, is pregnant, or has epilepsy or another seizure disorder. Make sure to get out if you feel dizzy, and never let the water temperature rise above 104 degrees fahrenheit. Although it may be tempting to mix wine and a soak, be sure to maintain sobriety for risk of falling asleep in the water.

Start With Chiropractic Care

Before you head out to swim or any physical activity, it’s wise to receive a chiropractic adjustment. Chiropractic care from a reputable clinic, such as The Joint Chiropractic, can help remove subluxations or joint restrictions before you get in the water. This could mean better mobility and improved chances of getting yourself or another person out of a dangerous situation.

You always want to be in optimal shape and your physical best around the water, and we’re not talking about looking good in a swimsuit; making a mistake -- or being unable to physically do what you need to do -- can be fatal. Always be diligent about water safety so you and your family can survive the summer.

The information, including but not limited to, text, graphics, images and other material contained on this page are for informational purposes only. The purpose of this post is to promote broad consumer understanding and knowledge of various health topics, including but not limited to the benefits of chiropractic care, exercise and nutrition. It is not intended to provide or be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Always seek the advice of your chiropractor, physician or other qualified health care provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition or treatment and before undertaking a new health care regimen, and never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this page.