Childhood Drowning Prevention - Is Your Therapy Center Missing Opportunities?

Childhood Drowning Prevention: Practical Strategies That Save Young Lives

Childhood Drowning Prevention requires more than teaching children to swim. Instead, it depends on a combination of supervision, education, safe environments, and well-planned emergency preparation. When families, swim teachers, therapists, and community organisations work together, children gain both confidence and respect for the water. As a result, the risk of drowning decreases while opportunities for safe aquatic enjoyment increase.

Parents and professionals can also learn valuable ideas from the Swim Angelfish article, Preventing Childhood Drowning: Strategies for Pediatric Therapy Centers & Clinics, which highlights practical approaches for children of all abilities.

Childhood Drowning Prevention

Why Childhood Drowning Prevention Matters

Drowning remains one of the leading causes of accidental death among young children. However, many of these tragedies are preventable through simple yet consistent safety practices. Every adult who supervises children near water has an important role to play.

Swimming lessons certainly build confidence and improve essential water skills. Nevertheless, no swimming ability replaces careful adult supervision. Even strong swimmers can experience unexpected difficulties in the water.

As discussed in Child Drownings: Adult Responsibility Around Water, children can get into serious trouble within seconds. Therefore, supervision should always remain active rather than passive.

Build Layers of Protection

Effective water safety relies on several protective measures working together. If one layer fails, another can still help prevent an accident.

Essential Safety Measures

• Maintain constant, undistracted adult supervision.
• Install compliant four-sided pool fencing.
• Use self-closing and self-latching gates.
• Enrol children in quality swimming lessons.
• Learn CPR and refresh those skills regularly.
• Keep rescue equipment easily accessible.

Each measure strengthens the others. Consequently, families create a much safer environment around pools, lakes, rivers, and beaches.

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Swimming Lessons Are Part of the Solution

Swimming lessons teach valuable survival skills while helping children develop confidence in the water. Furthermore, structured lessons introduce safe habits that children carry throughout life.

Children learn to:

• Enter and exit the water safely.
• Float and regain breathing control.
• Move efficiently toward safety.
• Understand pool rules.
• Respect changing water conditions.

The article Swimming Lesson Plans – Toddlers & Babies explains that swimming lessons should never be viewed as "drown-proofing." Instead, lessons provide valuable skills that complement supervision and other safety measures.

Supporting Children With Additional Needs

Children with autism, developmental disabilities, or physical challenges often require specialised teaching approaches. Fortunately, adaptive swimming programs can help these children become safer and more confident around water.

Swim Angelfish recommends introducing water safety through structured routines, visual supports, and consistent teaching methods. Therapists can reinforce these lessons during everyday activities, making safety concepts more familiar and easier to understand.

Additionally, instructors should adjust lessons to suit each child's communication style, sensory needs, and physical abilities. This personalised approach encourages success while reducing anxiety.

Make Rescue Equipment Familiar

Many children feel uncertain when they encounter unfamiliar rescue equipment. Therefore, introducing rescue tubes and similar devices during lessons or therapy sessions can improve their confidence.

Children can safely learn to:

• Hold rescue tubes.
• Carry rescue equipment.
• Pass equipment to another person.
• Participate in simple rescue role-play activities.

These experiences help children recognise rescue equipment during real emergencies rather than fearing it. Consequently, they may respond more calmly when assistance arrives.

Supervision Always Comes First

Technology continues to improve pool safety. Even so, alarms, cameras, and wearable devices should never replace active supervision.

Adults should remain within arm's reach of young children and avoid distractions such as phones or lengthy conversations. Good supervision means watching the water continuously rather than simply being nearby.

The SwimTeaching article Children Swimming: Protect Us From Wearable Technology reminds readers that no electronic device can substitute for attentive caregivers.

Reinforce Water Safety Every Day

Children learn best through repetition. Therefore, families and instructors should discuss water safety regularly rather than only before swimming.

• Wait for an adult before entering water.
• Never swim alone.
• Walk around the pool.
• Ask for help during emergencies.
• Stay where adults can see you.

The article Teaching Kids Pool Safety Through Swim Lessons demonstrates how safety habits become stronger when they are practised consistently alongside swimming skills.

Create a Water Safety Culture

The greatest success in Childhood Drowning Prevention comes from building lifelong habits rather than relying on a single solution. Swimming lessons, effective supervision, secure barriers, rescue preparation, and regular safety discussions all contribute to safer aquatic experiences.

Parents, therapists, teachers, swim instructors, and community organisations each have an opportunity to reinforce these important messages. When children repeatedly see safe behaviour modelled around them, they naturally begin to adopt those habits themselves.

Every conversation about water safety, every swimming lesson, and every moment of careful supervision can help prevent a tragedy. By applying these practical strategies consistently, we can create environments where children develop confidence, respect the water, and enjoy swimming safely for many years to come.

Enjoy     
Richard

Pool Safety Essentials - How Can I Make My Pool Safer?

Building a Safer Pool Environment

Understanding Pool safety essentials helps families prevent accidents and enjoy the water safely. These Pool safety essentials include barriers, supervision, maintenance, and training that reduce the chance of harm.

Pool Safety Essentials

Establishing Strong Physical Barriers

A robust fence forms the first line of defence against unsupervised access. Select a fence that encloses the entire pool area and meets local regulations.

Use a self-closing gate with a self-latching mechanism to prevent gates from being left open. Install the latch at a height inaccessible to young children.

Add a rigid, lockable pool cover for further protection when the pool is not in use. Stow pool toys away after swimming to avoid tempting children toward the water.

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Managing Surrounding Areas Safely

Dry, clutter-free surfaces around the pool reduce slip risks and make supervision easier. Choose nonslip materials for paving and decking.

Good lighting helps swimmers and supervisors see the pool edge in low light. Mark depths clearly so guests choose safe entry points by skill level.

Keep landscaping trimmed to preserve sightlines from seating and house windows. Avoid placing climbable furniture near the fence line.

Keeping Water Quality and Equipment in Good Condition

Maintain balanced water chemistry so the pool remains clear and healthy. Test chlorine levels, pH, and alkalinity regularly during warm months.

Clean filters and check pumps according to manufacturer guidance to keep circulation effective. Clear water helps supervisors spot problems quickly.

Place rescue equipment like a reaching pole and a life ring where they are easy to find. Inspect that equipment often so it performs when needed.

Training Swimmers and Supervisors Effectively

Teach children core rules such as never swimming alone and waiting for an adult before entering the water. Repeat rules at every visit so they become habits.

Encourage formal swimming lessons through accredited programs to build skills and confidence. Organisations such as Royal Life Saving

See also:

Notable Articles on Pool Safety from SwimTeaching.com

Swimming Pool: How You Can Make Your Pool as Safe as Possible

Outlines major risks such as drowning, slipping, and diving accidents. Recommends safety equipment, secure handling of chemicals, and proper maintenance.

Safe Pool Entry For Infants & Toddlers

Guidance on introducing toddlers safely into pools, emphasising adult support, controlled entry, and avoiding risky hand‑overs.

5 Must-Have Accessories For Your Swimming Pool

Details pool accessories that improve safety and hygiene, including secure covers, proper filtration, and water testing kits.

Drowning or Diving? The Most Dangerous Diving Board Tricks

Warns about diving-board hazards and emphasises safe, supervised diving only in deep water.

Enjoy     
Richard

Pool Alarm Critique - What types of pool alarms are best?

Pool Alarm Critique: Weighing Benefits and Limits

As a swim teacher and lifeguard, I am not a fan of pool Alarms. However, some people like them as an additional line of defence to protect against drowning. This Pool Alarm Critique explains how alarms help and where they fall short for pool safety. Because these devices act as extra layers, families must understand their real capabilities and limits.

Pool Alarm Critique

How Alarms Add Value

Alarms alert caregivers when someone unexpectedly enters the water, often shortening rescue response time. Many modern systems pair with smartphones, sending remote notifications when alarms trigger during gatherings. Consequently, families juggling multiple responsibilities gain an additional awareness tool for pool supervision. Manufacturers design alarms to detect surface motion or underwater displacement, depending on the model selected. As a result, devices can support adults who become briefly distracted by chores, conversations, or visitors.

Practical Advantages

First, alarms provide emotional reassurance for anxious caregivers watching young children or pets near pools. Second, alarms function as redundancy when fences or gates fail, adding another chance to notice hazards. Third, smart alarms integrate with home systems, improving communication when several adults share supervision duties. Finally, alarms tend to be relatively affordable compared with extensive physical modifications around a backyard pool.

Where Pool Alarms Fall Short

However, alarms activate only after water entry, so they cannot prevent every drowning scenario. Because drowning prevention must focus on stopping access, devices that trigger post-entry provide limited prevention. False alarms present real problems, since wind, animals, or toys can repeatedly trigger many surface-based models. Repeated false alerts can desensitise caregivers, causing important warnings to be ignored or alarms to be disabled. Some units require regular testing, battery replacement, and calibration, tasks that busy households sometimes skip.

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Get paid for doing surveys

Environmental and Reliability Concerns

Fluctuating water levels, heavy rain, and choppy surfaces reduce detection accuracy for certain alarm types. Surface sensors may miss slow or partial entries, while underwater models sometimes respond inconsistently to debris. Because drowning often occurs quickly and quietly, any detection delay significantly reduces the device’s effectiveness. Therefore, families should treat alarms as supportive tools instead of central safety systems for pools.

Best Practices for Integration

A thoughtful Pool Alarm Critique recognises alarms as one element within a layered safety plan. Combine alarms with compliant fencing, self-latching gates, and constant adult supervision to strengthen protection. Provide formal swimming lessons and teach older children basic rescue and emergency procedures around the pool. Additionally, ensure at least one adult present knows CPR and practices it periodically with the family. Regularly test alarm sensitivity, replace batteries on schedule, and keep clear sightlines around the pool area.

Choosing the Right System

Select alarms after comparing reliability, false-alarm rates, maintenance needs, and price points. Read independent assessments from trusted organisations and consumer-review outlets before purchasing a unit. For guidance, consult the Centres for Disease Control and Prevention for the safety context. Also, review recommendations from the Royal Life Saving Society Australia for local practices. Finally, use resources like Consumer Reports to evaluate model performance and durability.

Summary Guidance

Alarms offer useful awareness and extra reassurance when families use them correctly and maintain them routinely. Yet alarms cannot replace barriers, active supervision, or formal swimming instruction in reducing drowning risk. Therefore, treat any alarm purchase as a complement to robust physical protections and vigilant adult presence. Follow manufacturer instructions closely, test devices frequently, and integrate alarms into a layered safety strategy.

Other Articles you may find helpful:

• Swimming Pool: How You Can Make Your Pool as Safe as Possible — covers general pool-safety measures.
• Pool Maintenance Checklist From A Pool Professional — outlines how to maintain pool structure and safety gear.
• Safe Water Entry: The Best Way To Get Into The Pool — advice on entering the water safely, especially for beginners.
• Safe Pool Entry For Infants & Toddlers — specific techniques for safe entry with very young swimmers.
• Baby Swim Ring is Not A Swimming Safety Ring Float — critical view on floatation devices and supervision.

Enjoy     
Richard

Drowning Prevention (Dry, Wet, Near) and Treatment

Understanding Drowning: Prevention and Treatment

Drowning is a serious global issue, often leading to tragic outcomes. According to the World Health Organization, drowning ranks as the third most common cause of accidental death worldwide. Over 350,000 people drown each year, with many incidents going unreported. To tackle this epidemic, it is crucial to focus on drowning prevention and treatment.

Drowning Wet

Stages of Drowning

Drowning involves several key stages that begin when water contacts the larynx. Initially, there is an instinctive gasp, followed by a voluntary breath-holding period. As hypoxemia develops, the body experiences a critical lack of oxygen. If untreated, the drowning process may lead to cardiac arrest and damage to brain cells. If not rescued quickly, the larynx may relax, permitting water to enter the lungs.

Types of Drowning

There are various types of drowning: wet and dry. In wet drowning, water enters the lungs, significantly impairing respiratory function. Conversely, dry drowning may occur without water in the lungs, yet respiratory distress ensues due to laryngeal spasms. Additionally, the type of water can affect the body's response. Freshwater and saltwater drownings have distinct physiological effects on lung function.

Risk Factors

Certain factors increase the likelihood of drowning. Children under four and adults between 15 and 25 are particularly vulnerable. Infants often drown in bathtubs, while young children are at risk in swimming pools. For young adults, larger bodies of water like rivers can pose dangers, especially when alcohol is involved. Medical emergencies, such as seizures or heart issues, can also lead to drowning incidents.

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Recognizing Symptoms

Symptoms of drowning can vary widely. Some victims display no visible signs and may be found unconscious or submerged in water. Others may show signs of anxiety, confusion, or shortness of breath. By understanding the symptoms, rescuers can effectively intervene before it’s too late.

Treatment Methods

Immediate action is essential for drowning treatment. If a person is unresponsive and not breathing, start CPR without hesitation. Ensure that emergency medical services are called promptly. For those who show signs of life but remain unconscious, position them safely to minimize the risk of aspiration.

Prevention Strategies

Drowning prevention is crucial to reducing fatalities. Individuals should learn to swim and utilize the buddy system when near water. Supervising children is vital, even in shallow water. Implementing barriers around pools and avoiding alcohol when swimming can further enhance safety.

Recognizing the importance of drowning prevention and treatment can save lives. By understanding the risks and knowing how to respond, individuals can combat this preventable tragedy effectively.

For more detailed information, visit the World Health Organization's drowning page.

Enjoy     
Richard

Swim Lessons Won’t Keep Your Toddler From Drowning

Swim Lessons Won’t Keep Your Toddler From Drowning

An abstract of an excellent article by one Mother learning to sort through the myth and the facts about drowning and swimming lessons

Toddles and Swimming Lessons

When my son almost drowned, two times, I realized I needed something to help him in the water. There were two occasions where he slipped under the water and nobody noticed. Drowning is silent, it isn't splashing and screaming for help, they slip under and then that's it. Not all swim lessons are beneficial, and no swim lessons are a guarantee. The swim lessons that children learn to do is to trust and have fun in the water, they need to be taught to survive in the water.

Key Takeaways:

• My son almost drowned a couple times, luckily I was right there to save him.
• I decided swim lessons were the way to go, but those aren't all that is necessary.
• Survival swim lessons and swim lessons are not the same things, you need to learn to survive in the water as well.

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"There were multiple people in the pool with him each time, some within a couple of feet, a few of them relatives—and nobody saw that he had drifted back to where the water deepened and had sunk below the surface. The only reason I noticed was because when I looked for him, he wasn't there."

Read more: https://slate.com/human-interest/2017/06/swim-lessons-wont-keep-your-toddler-from-drowning.html

Author

By MELINDA WENNER MOYER

Enjoy     
Richard

Kids Swimming Floats: What Most Do Not Understand About Them

Kids Swimming Floats Do Not prevent Drowning

I found a number of articles online on "What you need to know about your kid's water safety skills". But many of them like to promote water wings as a good way to prevent a child from drowning. This is a message that just doesn't seem to be getting through to parents!

Just the other day I had two parents sitting on the side of the pool whilst their child was happily playing in the pool with floaties and a water ring. Now I know they were getting ready to get in but they were well out of arms reach and they were chatting to each other and not paying attention to their child.

When I approached them, their response was, "oh he's alright". To which I replied, "no he is not, it only takes 20 seconds"!

I usually try to be a bit more tactful than that but the parental response was so cavalier that I'm afraid I was a bit curt. You see I am not convinced that it even takes 20 seconds.

Water Wings and Floaties Are Only Safe Under Supervision 

I have been a swim teacher for more than 20 years and I know that the gag reflex that stops children from swallowing water when they go under, is very far from perfect protection. It only takes a few seconds to swallow water and for it to go into the lungs and whilst unconsciousness and other signs of drowning take longer to present, it seems to me that the damage has already been done long before those signs show up.

More over, if they have been in the water long enough, even if you have pulled them out before they came close to unconsciousness, there is still the risk of secondary drowning that needs to be dealt with by medical practitioners. The longer the water stays in the lungs the greater the risk.

Now please be aware that I am not trying to scare anybody. If a child swallows water and it goes down the wrong way it is very simple to lift the child out of the water and after they have finished coughing and spluttering they should be fine. But only if they have been picked out of the water straight away.

It's so simple, just be attentive to your child whilst they are in the water and do not rely on floatation devices to protect them. You are their best protection!

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I know also that posts on this topic are not popular but I can get just one person who has not previously recognized the danger to so they this post is worth it.

Don't get me wrong floaties or water wings or any floatation device can be a lot of fun but only if they are properly supervised.

Enjoy     
Richard

Swimming Safety: All The Excuses For Not Supervising Children

Swimming Safety: Creative ways that will let your child drown

I can't believe how creative people can be when it comes to giving excuses about swimming safety.

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As I lifeguard, swim teacher and pool duty manager I have stopped believing that I have heard all the stupid excuses there are. There is always someone that will come up with a new one. But they are still stupid.

Let me see how many excuses I can remember:

• "My kids go to swimming lessons so I don't need to watch them".
Seriously! Do you know how many proficient swimmers drown with no one watching them? Just how proficient is your child?
• "It is only shallow water".
Again Seriously! Do you know how many drownings there are in inches of water"?
• "I had to take that phone call, it was important"!
As important as your child's life?



And then there is:



• "I was Just talking to my friend".
See above
• "I'm having a conversation here I'm only a few feet away".
Are you sure because I just picked your child out of the water because they were out of their depth?
• "I'm watching and texting as well, I'm a woman I can multitask".
How many times do I have to say see above
• "You don't know what it is like I have two (or more) children to watch".
I raised 4 children, I have 7 grandchildren, I have been a swimming teacher for more than 20 years etc. I do know how hard it is. It's not an excuse. You do need to learn strategies but there are plenty of people to get them from; including me.
• "I'm a competent swimmer"!
What does that even mean? You should know better. Get in with your child!





It May only Take Seconds
Be Swimming Safety Conscious



• "I was only out of the water for a minute".
That all it takes to drown. That minute could be your child's last one.
• "I just had to go to the toilet".
Will the restroom give you "rest" from the pain of losing a child through drowning? Really? Take the child with you.
• "My children do swimming lessons at school".
So you don't even know your child's swimming ability and you are prepared to risk their lives on an assumption.
• "My older child is looking after them". (This ages range has been from as young as 7yo to 15yo nonswimmers)
Even if that older child can swim they are children themselves. I know that some children can be very responsible but why are you, the adult who is present, making a child take on the responsibility of an adult when you are present?



This one is my personal biggest mind boggles:



• "We're from Queensland, so my kids are perfect swimmers".
For those who know little about Australia, Queensland is a state of Australia and I want to say that one of my sons with his wife and 2 of my grandchildren live in Queensland: Thank God my family is not so stupid as to make such a ridiculous claim.

I was lucky on this occasion, I was taking my turn at lifeguarding when I spoke to the gentleman who made the statement. I got to call somebody else in to deal with it. As I walked away I could see the distress on the duty managers face as he dealt with the gentleman in question.

I have to admit, the absurdity of the situation was a source of some amusements for some time when it was all over. But it was not funny at all at the time. Not at all!

I could go on. As I said the list could be endless.

I would never speak to a customer the way I have spoken here of course but here I get to vent and it is my hope that someone will read this and just stop and think before they allow themselves to look for an excuse not to supervise their child around water.

Enjoy
   Richard

When Is A Photo More Important Than A Child's Life?

When Is A Photo More Important Than A Child's Life?

"Sir I know that it's a great photo but it is a high-risk activity", I said to a father who was standing on the edge of the pool lining up a photo of his kids.

It was a party and the only instant that we allow photography in the pool area. There were three young girls joyfully allowing a much younger child, a little boy, to roll them up in one of our floating mates.

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Just as I finished speaking, I saw one of the little girls struggling to get out.

It was clear from where I stood that the child was no longer breathing air but her face was underwater instead.

I ran to the mat. Took the little boy by the hand. Drew him around and away from the mat.

When I let go, I saw him lose his balance and fall on his bottom. But he was safe.

I immediately unrolled the mat and pick up the affected little girl that was still inside face down in the water and struggling for air.

The moment she was free of the water she took a big deep breath and screamed.

The Mother Was Completely Oblivious

I confirmed that the other two girls were alright and then took the child over to her mother. To my amazement, the mother was engrossed in a conversation with another woman and she was completely oblivious to the event. More than that, rather than comforting her child she just wanted to know what had happened and then sent her off with "Oh don't be silly".

Unsurprisingly the child was not appeased by that.

What happened next caught me completely off guard. As I was walking away, talking on the radio to arrange reports etc. the father, who had been taking the photo, approached me. "Next time push the boy over harder why don't you," he said.

There are so many implications that can be drawn from this but the one that troubles me the most is just how irrelevant the little girl's life was in all this.

I understand that the parents had been caught out and that people don't react well when they are embarrassed. But to this day I cannot comprehend the attitude of these parents.

More to the point why was the photo so important in the first place that the children was not being watched?

Enjoy     
Richard

Drowning Prevention Don’t Be Deceived: Recognise The Real Signs

You Think You Know Drowning Prevention But it is Deceptive

It's 44 Deg C (111.2 deg. F) and as I write this everybody is at the pool. Drowning prevention is not on their mind.

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Some will be at the beach but most won't go down there till after 3PM. This is Australia after all and for the sensible, the beach is only attractive in this heat if you have enough protection from the sun.

Fortunately for me, I have finished my shift at the pool and I am very happy not to be helping to manage all those crowds. Mostly because, no matter how much they have been brought up around water, too many people don't know as much as they think they do.

Drowning Is Subtle

Drowning is a lot more subtle than people believe. That's not all their fault. Most TV and movies present a very unrealistic picture of someone drowning. We had a brand new lifeguard say once after his first rescue: "I almost didn't recognize it, the child just went under water and never even struggled". The Ultimate Guide to Swimming Safety For Kids has some very valuable information on this.

Drowning is Subtle 

Photo by Kyle Glenn on Unsplash

Then there are those that, despite the best effort of swim teachers all over the world and many other professionals, they can not get it through there heads that there is no such thing as "drown proofing".

I had a farther argue with me one day, very aggressively. He said that his child had been drown proofed and that my more than 20 years of swim teaching and life guarding didn't qualify me to say that there was no such thing. Apparently, his 5 year old child could swim better than a 7 year old and he did not need to keep an eye on her because of this.

Seriously?

The Real Signs of Drowning

In his article Drowning Doesn’t Look Like Drowning Mario Vettone gives some extremely useful information that is recognized by the US Coast Guard in their News Letter "On Scene" (can be Download Here. Goto the 16th page - the page number is actually page 14 but there are 2 cover page). If you think you know about drowning this article may change your mind.


Drowning is subtle, it is often deceptive. Never take it for granted that you or you children are safe. Swimming is a lot of fun and I really don't want to put anybody off. But I do want everybody to stay alive when doing it.

Kids Alive Rules

Swimming safely is really simple, just follow the Kids Alive Rules:

1. Fence the pool
2. Shut the gate
3. Teach your kids to swim – it’s great
4. Supervise – watch your mate and
5. Learn how to resuscitate

Here is a video that shows a real situation. See if you can identify the person in trouble before the lifeguard gets there. If you can great. If not It's time to learn.

Enjoy the water not the drowning

Richard

Don't Expect Gratitude When You Save A Life.

Don't Expect Gratitude When You Save A Life

I ran to the edge of the pool ready to jump in after a child that was clearly struggling in the water.
Just as I reached the edge I was greeted with "hay calm down!"

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I glanced in the direction of the voice to see an adult male approaching me clearly trying to ward me off. He'd had his back to the child but must have seen me running and turned around.

Presuming he was the child's carer I said: "your child is in distress sir you need to attend to her and stay in arms reach".

Child Crying

The child began to cry.

A good sign. It means that she has found her footing and is not drowning. Still, her bottom lip is still touching the water so I need to get her head higher.

"Look you've scared the s*** out of her. Back off" said the carer.

"Sir," I said: "your child is in distress. You need to attend to her.

"You need to change your attitude"; he said.

"Sir get in arms reach and stay in arms reach or I'll order you out of the pool"; I said.

The Duty Manager

By this point, I had called the duty manager who attended and proceeded to say all the same things to the carer. She also did a very wise thing and told me to go and fill out an incident report. I was very upset and she could tell. She knew that it would give me the space to cool down. Not to mention that it had to be done anyway.

But why wouldn't I be upset? A child was in the water in front of me in distress, but to go in after her would put me at risk with the father.

Finally, the carer, who by this time had made it clear he was the child's father, picked up the now screaming child and left the pool.

The Necessary Goal Achieved

The necessary goal had been achieved. But at such a cost.

And this is by no means the only time this has happened to me.

I have said before that I am constantly amazed at how much more important a parents pride is to them than the safety of the child. So I have come to a conclusion. One that I'm sure other lifeguards have also come to but new lifeguards and perhaps even swim teachers might consider:

From now on whenever I go to rescue someone's child I will go expecting to be abused. That way I can be prepared for it if it happens. And if I'm not it will be a nice surprise.

Enjoy     
Richard

The Psychology Behind Drowning & Self-Preservation

Psychology Behind Drowning and Self-Preservation

Whenever you hear of a drowning, you probably begin to shake. These are terrifying stories, and you probably can't even imagine what the person was going through in those last moments of his or her life. Taking some swimming lessons is smart for everyone because it can teach you some important information about drowning and self-preservation.

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Animal Instincts

You might have heard of the "fight or flight" response to certain situations and how this relates to our animal instincts. As you are learning about the water, you might realize that some of those animal instincts kick in for people who find themselves underwater. They know that they have to do anything they can to preserve themselves, and they can go into all-out fight mode. The field of psychology has actually studied this phenomenon quite a bit about this, and it can be witnessed in many different situations, well apart from those in the water!

Controlling Those Instincts

As you study the art of swimming, you'll learn that your response needs to be refined in order to be successful. The psychology behind self-preservation lies in the notion that you'll do anything to save yourself. However, when people don't know exactly what to do, they might start to thrash about in the water or swim in a direction that's not conducive to their safety. Taking some swimming lessons will teach you what you have to do. As these lessons become ingrained in your mind, you'll start to see that this is the best way to self-preservation.

Adjusting Your Philosophy

You should consider how the things you do in everyday life and the way you practice simple tasks could affect your psyche. For example, let's say that you're a person who tends to become quickly overwhelmed by problems in your path. Instead of panicking each time a situation comes to fruition, try to adjust your philosophy. Learn to think quickly, but clearly and rationally at the same time. As you implement your new philosophy into day-to-day tasks, you may find that you're able to quickly and effectively implement a different approach when real danger arises.

Automatic Response

Essentially, your body goes into an entirely different mode when it thinks it's in danger. Combining swimming lessons with a keen understanding of how your mind works can allow you to shift the way that automatic response comes into fruition. However, the lesson here is that the response is automatic. Your body and mind understand what it needs to do in order to survive. Unfortunately, when you're faced with huge, crashing waves or deep waters, it's not always possible to defend yourself.

Another Perspective

What would you do if you and someone who you loved were drowning at the same time? Would you try to save yourself or this individual? These are questions that you might be unable to answer. Perhaps you've heard of stories where people drowned when others were around. Better understanding that "fight or flight" mechanism that goes off in your mind might help you to better understand why.

Drowning Man

The human body and mind are both quite complex

The human body and mind are both quite complex, and so when one considers the entire picture, a fascinating puzzle emerges. Hopefully, this discussion gave you a bit more insight into how they work together and greater insight into why we behave in certain ways.

About the Author

Joseph Rodriguez writes about all things related to the human mind and development. His recent work focuses on the best social work programs in the midwest.

Toddler Water Safety: Keep Them In Arms Reach

Warning Rant Coming!

"I'm sorry that your Pride is more important than your child's safety.!!!"

Toddler Water Safety: Keep Them In Arms Reach

Toddler water safety and getting upset about having to keep them in arms reach. I'm Sorry that your Pride is more important than your child's safety.

Toddler in Arms Reach

The other day my management received an email from a customer, complaining about one of our policies and how unfair it was and that why should she do it when she could see other parents that were not doing it.

It's interesting what people will observe when they feel aggrieved. The fact is that if there were a parent not carry out this policy then you can be sure a lifeguard was on their way to the offender to correct it.

But that's not important because you know what the policy is that she so objected to?

It's a policy that most pools these days adhere to. It comes as safety guidelines from Lifesaving Victoria. It's a policy that was not around when I was bringing up my own children but is so common sense that my wife and I would not have thought of doing anything else.

The policy is

The policy is that, if your child is under 5 years old you must keep them within arms reach at all times and if they are in the water then you must also be in the water with them.

Maybe your one of those parents who agrees with this customer. Maybe I'm wrong. Maybe I care about my children and their safety too much. Maybe I care about your children too much...

NO, I'm sorry but if you think that this policy is wrong then your an idiot and don't care about your children.

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Management is very tactful, way more than me and I have learned not to engage with customers over such things but just state the policy and hold my ground. But in moments of extreme frustration, I have been known to reply to such stupidity with: "I'm Sorry that your pride is more important than your child's safety.!!!" Not the most tactful response and yes I have gotten into trouble over it but it takes 20 seconds for a child to drown. How are you going to feel about your complaint when your child is DEAD!

Don't be an idiot keep your children close when near the water.

Enjoy the water but keep them alive
Richard

Protect Your Kids from Accidental Drownings in the Pool

Help Prevent Accidental Drowning

Accidental drowning claim a number of young lives every single year. If you have a pool, you need to learn how to protect your children from this unfortunate tragedy. Read ahead for some useful ideas to help you prevent an accidental drowning.

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Enclose Your Pool

Enclosing your pool is the first step to keeping your children safe. You should use at least a 4-foot high fence that completely encircles the pool. For added security, install a lock on the gate that young children can't reach. Additionally, consider adding an alarm that will alert you when someone attempts to access the pool area.

Use Supervision

When you and your family are enjoying a summer afternoon at your pool, keep your children under constant supervision. If you have a large group of friends or family visiting, designate more than one adult to keep a close eye on the children. These appointed guardians should not allow themselves to get distracted by other activities.
Swimming Lessons

Prevent Accidental Drownings

A child that has some swimming experience has a better chance of avoiding an accidental drowning. Take your children to swimming lessons at a young age. You can brush up on the basics every year to make sure your child's swimming skills stay consistent. However, don't make the mistake of believing your children no longer need supervision if they have had lessons. Never let your guard down when your children are swimming.

Enforce Your Rules

If you own a pool, you must come up with a list of rules to protect your family. Some common rules include banning running and horseplay in and around the pool. If a member of your family breaks one of your rules, revoke his pool privileges for a temporary period. When you have guests visiting, inform them of the rules as well.

Take Away the Appeal

Don't leave water toys in and around the pool. These toys will attract attention from your children, potentially putting them in danger. Additionally, keep your pool covered when not in use. These steps will help make your pool a less attractive feature of your yard and help keep your children away from it.

Safety Features

You can add a few safety features to your pool area to help you deal with any mishaps. First, consider installing a phone near the pool. If you forget to bring your cellphone outside, you'll still have a phone you can use in case of an emergency. Finally, keep a life preserver nearby to use when someone in the pool needs help.

Author Bio:

Jennie assists with the designing of pool fences in Perth. She is also a strong advocate of child safety and blogs about the subject passionately.

Simple Ways to Keep Your Child Safe Around Water

This Swimming Season Keep Your Child Safe

About 1500 children die from drowning each year according to the National Institutes of Health. That's a sobering statistic and one we can change. Children are naturally curious and their curiosity can get them in some dangerous situations very quickly. It is up to adults to ensure that children remain safe around water. There are simple ways to keep your child safe around water. With the right knowledge and diligence, you can make your days at the pool or lake with your child both fun and safe.

Girl Asleep On A Kickboard

Many parents take their children for swimming lessons but neglect to take lessons themselves. Often children who drown are in the company of adults who can't swim, making it a tragedy that could have been prevented. Take your child for swimming lessons and get in there with them. Some of the best swimmers run into trouble in the water. They may face a strong current or leg cramps. If this happens to your child, what will happen if you can't swim?

Young children should always use float devices while in the water and life jackets while in a boat. However, this does not replace constant vigilance with your child around water. A tragedy can happen in an instant. Even with a floatation device, a child can drown. So don’t think that your child is safe, and doesn’t need to be monitored. These extra precautions can ultimately save their lives when the unexpected happens, but are no replacement for your attention and caution to your children while around water. By being prepared, your child will have a better chance to overcome a life-threatening situation. Never gamble with basic safety measures.

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If you have a home or live in an apartment complex with a pool, it is vitally important to know where your child is at all times. Many drownings happen at home when a child wanders off while parents are momentarily distracted. It only takes minutes for your child to get to the pool and fall in. Never leave your child unattended outside if the pool area is not fenced and locked. Even if there are older children around, they can't be counted on to closely watch your child. Older kids don't understand the importance of watching younger ones every minute and can easily be led away to play with friends, leaving the younger child alone.

These simple tips will help keep your child safe around water. Don't become a statistic. Be proactive and take the steps to ensure your child's safety around any body of water. Learn to swim, use floaties and life jackets, and always watch your child. Then make a splash and have fun.

Bio

Haliegh Adams is a professional writer and a stay at home mom. She writes about topics such as cord blood banks, as well as general articles on health and wellness.

Enjoy
   Richard

Child Drownings: Adult Responsibility Around Water 2

20 Seconds of Terror!!!!

TV in Melbourne Australia has been airing advertisements about keeping close supervision on children near water. Children Drown in 20 seconds!

20 Second Drowning

Viewed from underwater, looking up to the sky with a digital clock counting up to 20 seconds, it is a very powerful ad.

20 Seconds is all it takes for a child to drown is what the announcer says.

This add is so effective and it just promoted me to draw peoples attention, again, to how desperately important it is to watch your children near the water.

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As pool lifeguard, it is the least pleasurable part of my job to have to confront Stupid parents that think it is OK to let their 5-year-old do dog paddle in the deep end without them being in the water supervising them.

Sensible people would be aghast to hear the dumb, dumb and dumber responses lifeguards are given when they insist that a child of that age and that skill level is not safe in the water without direct "arms-length" supervision. Not to mention the abuse you get when you enforce such rules.

Definition of Supervision

An don't get me started on the definition of supervision we are given. A parent, 15 meters away, reading a newspaper "but I am supervising" she said. It sometimes takes all my strength not to kick their backside all the way into the pool to get their child out. Give me all the abuse you like lady, I feel good about the fact that I possibly saved your child from the morgue today.

I just want to clarify something, however. In a post I made some time ago where I was ranting just as vehemently called "Child Drownings - Responsibility Around Water" I said that it only takes 4 seconds for a child to drown. Was I wrong? No!

If we were going to spit hairs we could say that even the add,, that I have been praising is wrong in that clinical death takes up to 7 min sometimes more. But once a child has breathed in water the likelihood of getting that water out and reviving them diminished dramatically. The add is based on the assumption that a child could normally only hold their breath for 20 seconds.

Consider This

Consider this: a child falls into 2 in (about 4cm) of water, its cold, they get a shock, they don't hold their breath but suck in a full lung of water. This all takes 4 seconds.

But in the end, does it matter? Just watch your children "like a hawk" around water.

To do anything else is just plain STUPID!

Enjoy     
Richard

Child Drownings: Responsibility Around Water

Child Drownings: Responsibility Around Water and Morons!

Forgive my bluntness but too many people are morons around water. I know as a lifeguard and a swimming instructor that I am more water savvy than most people around water but seriously it doesn't take a genius to work out that water is dangerous and it has to be treated with respect. You have to have a responsibility around water, if for no other reason because of the high risk of child drownings.

Avoid Child Drownings. Take Responsibility Around Water.

And I'm not talking about the testosterone pumped young bucks who just have to show off their prowess to impress their mates and the young girls. At least they have an excuse.

They are young immature, testosterone pumped, under significant peer group pressure and their job is to attract a mate.

Besides most of them are reasonable if you take the time to explain the reason for the rules you are enforcing. Not all but most.

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This is not to say that the young bucks don't need to be managed but there are people who attend the pool who are worse.

Who could they possibly be you say?

Parents!

Yes, parents.

Don't get me wrong most parents are great with the kids. But far too many are idiots around the pool.

I'm not exaggerating.

How we don't have more drownings around pools with some parents has to be the grace of God.

Again I don't mean the parents who just don't know or are just not water savvy. Although that can be frustrating, to be fair, any parent that responds to your direction is a good parent.

I'm talking about parents who will leave their 3 and 4-year-olds in the charge of a 12-year-old just so they can go off and have a nice relaxing time in the hydro pool.

I am talking about parents who will tell their children to go away and play and turn their backs just so they can continue their mobile phone conversation.

I am talking about parents who will sit and have conversations when their children come to them frightened because one of the other children is bullying them.

I'm not talking about a momentary lapse of judgment.

I'm talking about people who will abuse you as a lifeguard or swim teacher because you picked them up on what they are doing. No matter how sweetly it is explained to them.

I don't care what culture you came from or how lacking your knowledge of water is, when you have something dangerous explained to you concerning your children, if you care, you try to do something about it.

It only takes 4 seconds for a child to drown. That's a fact, 20 seconds. Seriously just 20 seconds I'm not making this stuff up.

Don't be a moron when you are near the water your child is your first priority NOT you!

Enjoy     
Richard