Drowning Prevention for Pools, Lakes and the Gulf Coast

The CDC’s research shows the risk looks different at different ages:

• Infants under 1 year old: three quarters of all drownings occur in bathtubs.
• Ages 1–4: most drownings happen in home swimming pools.
• Ages 15 and older: almost half of fatal drownings occur in natural waters like lakes, rivers or oceans.

The CDC also notes that among adolescents and adults, alcohol use is involved in “up to 70% of deaths associated with water recreation, like boating or swimming.” For people with seizure disorders, drowning is the most common cause of unintentional injury death, and the bathtub is the most common site.

The CDC recommends these steps for home pools:

• Fence it in. Use a four-sided fence that is at least four feet high and fully encloses the pool, separating it from the house.
• Use self-closing, self-latching gates so the barrier stays closed.
• Clear the toys. Remove toys from the pool area when the pool is not in use, so they don’t attract children.
• Learn to swim. According to the CDC, “formal swimming lessons can reduce the risk of drowning.”

The CDC advises families to “designate a responsible adult to supervise closely and constantly when children are in or near water (including bathtubs).”

That adult should avoid distracting activities such as reading, using the phone, and consuming alcohol or drugs. At a party, it helps to agree out loud on who is watching the water and to hand off that job clearly when someone needs a break.

The CDC notes that “lakes, rivers, and oceans have hidden hazards such as dangerous currents or waves, rocks or vegetation, and limited visibility.” Its life jacket guidance:

• Life jackets reduce the risk of drowning while boating for people of all ages and swimming abilities.
• Children should wear life jackets for all activities while in and around natural water.
• Weaker swimmers of all ages can also use life jackets in and around natural water and swimming pools.
• Avoid drinking alcohol before or during swimming, boating or other water activities.

The National Weather Service (NWS) describes rip currents as “currents of water flowing away from the shore at surf beaches.” They can form even on nice days. The NWS cautions that “rip currents often form on calm, sunny days,” so great beach weather does not always mean it is safe to swim.

Before you go, check the local surf zone and beach hazards forecast, and the NWS recommends swimming only at beaches with lifeguards.

If you are caught in a rip current

1. 1Stay calm. Rip currents pull you away from shore. The NWS notes they do not pull you under the water.
2. 2Don’t swim against the current. It will only wear you out.
3. 3Swim parallel to the shoreline until you feel the current weaken, then swim at an angle toward the beach.
4. 4If you can’t escape, float or tread water. Face the shore, wave your arms and yell for help.

If someone else is caught

• Alert a lifeguard. If no lifeguard is available, call 911.
• Throw the person something that floats, such as a life jacket, cooler or beach ball.
• Yell to them to swim parallel to the shoreline.
• Never enter the water without a flotation device. The NWS warns that many would-be rescuers have drowned trying to help others.

Every family that spends time around water benefits from knowing CPR. Look for a hands-on course from a recognized organization such as the American Heart Association, and encourage teens, grandparents and babysitters to learn too.

This article is general safety information, not personal medical advice. Republic EMS, Ltd. is a licensed Texas EMS provider serving Greater Houston, Dallas, San Antonio, Corpus Christi, Beaumont and surrounding areas, including our Gulf Coast communities. We wish you a safe summer on the water.