Summertime is sun time. For many people in Montana, this means more activities around the water, which brings a stronger possibility of people drowning.
Drowning is a leading cause of death for children in our country. It’s important to know that there are different types of drowning – in some instances, it can be fatal, but other types of drowning can be non-fatal. When drowning isn’t fatal, it’s common for long-term health problems to develop and bring costly hospital stays.
What Is Drowning?
Drowning is the process of experiencing respiratory impairment from submersion or immersion in liquid. Drowning happens when a person’s nose and mouth are under water for too long, making it impossible to breathe. Drowning is not always fatal.
Every year in the United States there are an estimated:
- 4,000 fatal, unintentional drownings (an average of 11 drowning deaths per day)
- 8,000 non-fatal drownings (an average of 22 nonfatal drownings per day)
Tips to Prevent Drowning
There are many ways to prevent drowning. The following tips will help you reduce the risk of these serious injuries.
Build Fences that Fully Enclose Pools
Construct and use a four-sided fence that is at least four feet in height and fully encloses the pool. The fence should separate the pool from the house, with self-closing and self-latching gates.
Remove all toys from the pool area that might attract children to the pool when the pool is not in use.
Supervise Closely
Designate a responsible adult to supervise closely and constantly when children are in or near water (including bathtubs). You can assign a specific adult to supervise each child when they have access to water. Adults watching kids in or near water should avoid distracting activities like reading, using the phone, and consuming alcohol or drugs, because drowning happens quickly and quietly.
After swimming time is over, shut and lock doors that give access to water. Be proactive and learn about any risks when visiting another home or unfamiliar location. Adults should supervise children closely even when lifeguards are present.
Wear a Life Jacket
Life jackets reduce the risk of drowning while boating for people of all ages and swimming abilities. Life jackets should be used by children for all activities while in and around natural water.
Life jackets can also be used by weaker swimmers of all ages in and around natural water and swimming pools. Do not rely on air-filled or foam toys, as these are not safety devices.
Learn CPR
Your CPR skills could save someone’s life in the time it takes for paramedics to arrive. Many organizations such as American Red Cross and American Heart Association offer CPR training courses, both online and in-person.
You can always check with your local park and rec departments to get enrolled in safety classes.
Know the Risks of Natural Waters
In the Big Sky State of Montana, you should always know the risks of natural waters.
Lakes, rivers, and oceans have hidden hazards such as dangerous currents or waves, rocks or vegetation, and limited visibility.
Check the forecast before activities in, on, or near water. Local weather conditions can change quickly and cause dangerous flash floods, strong winds, and thunderstorms with lightning strikes. The water levels change every day in our lakes and rivers, and you should never dive into a body of water headfirst.
Use the Buddy System
When you are enjoying Montana’s bodies of water, it’s important to take along a friend. Consider this a buddy system.
Always swim with a buddy. Choose swimming sites that have lifeguards when possible. The buddy system is especially beneficial for people with seizure disorders or other medical conditions that increase their risk of drowning.
Make Smart Safety Decisions
Summertime is a fun time, and it’s more fun when you stay safe. Know the dangers you are about to face, enter them with good knowledge and make wise choices.
Safety is everyone’s responsibility.
