The USA Swimming Foundation works with local partners to offer free swimming lessons. Swimming in natural or open waters is not the same as swimming in a pool. Also, teach those you love and practice simple survival floating skills remembering how to relax and float when exhausted can save your life. ![]() Power Squadron, state agencies, and on-line at īesides wearing a life jacket, learning to swim well is one of your best defenses against drowning. These are offered by the US Coast Guard Auxiliary, U.S. In addition, many states require a boating class for operators under a certain age. Many insurance companies offer discounts to boating safety course graduates. Learn valuable tips that can help save your life in unexpected situations by taking a NASBLA (National Association of Boating Law Administrators) approved boating safety course. Prevent the unexpected by learning more about where CO may accumulate and CO poisoning symptoms. CO is lighter than water so it invisibly hovers on the water’s surface. The “Reach, Throw, Row, Go for Help” rescue method is used to avoid multiple drownings.Īn estimated 60% of all drownings are witnessed, because people are unable to identify the four signs of a drowning victim. Signs are head back (bobs up and down above/below the surface), mouth open, no sound and arms outstretched moving simultaneously in an above-the-water, up and down stroke that appears as if they are slapping or playing in the water.īe Aware of Carbon Monoxide (CO) PoisoningĬO is a colorless, odorless gas that can harm and even kill you while you are inside or swimming outside of a boat. You should never go near anybody struggling to stay afloat because you could drown too! To help rescue someone extend a pole, stick, line, or clothing to reach them or throw something floatable to them. Many drowning victims are within 10 feet of safety, having unintentionally entered the water. Falls contribute to 19% of all water-related fatalities on Corps-managed waters. Your gasp reflex is delayed when you are under the influence of alcohol or drugs, which can lead to a last breath of water, instead of air. It takes less than ½ cup of water in your lungs to drown. ![]() Your Involuntary Gasp Reflex Can Kill YouĪ sudden unexpected fall into cold water causes an involuntary gasp (or torso) reflex. Combining that condition with alcohol or drugs greatly reduces your coordination, judgment and reaction time, which could lead to deadly consequences. Also, boaters can develop “boater’s hypnosis” a condition in response to sun, wind, noise, vibration and motion which causes fatigue and slows your reaction time. ![]() When underwater and under the influence of alcohol or drugs you can suffer from an inner ear condition (caloric labyrinthitis) that causes you to become disoriented and not know which way is up. Remember your swimming abilities are likely to decrease with age so don’t overdo it.Īlcohol and Water are a Deadly Combination A fellow swimmer can help you out when you encounter the unexpected. Regardless of how well you swim you could have to fight for your life due to unexpected conditions such as waves, current, or exhaustion. Great information on life jackets can be found at Never Exceed Your Swimming Abilities or Swim Alone If you will not wear it for yourself then wear it for those who love you. It only takes an adult an average of 60 seconds to drown and on average it takes 10 minutes for a strong swimmer to put on a life jacket after entering the water. To ensure you survive unexpected slips or falls overboard wear your life jacket, because it buys you time to be rescued. Army Corp of Engineers for Safety at Mitchell Creek Marina on Dale Hollow Lake – We want you safe!
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