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1. Drowning Statistics
2. Drowning Prevention
3. Drowning Rescue
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Safety Facts –

Drowning Prevention

As someone fearful of water, you are the last person to go near it without being prepared. Even before you take swimming lessons you can and must drownproof yourself and your family, dear friends.

Water safety tips for all ages:

  • You and all family members must wear a Coast Guard-approved personal floatation device (PFD) or life jacket when on a boat for sailing, fishing or other water activities. Good for you if you may know how to swim; the PFD is required in many states for good solid safety reasons, however. The fit of a life jacket is vital, especially for a child.
  • Always swim with another competent swimmer. Always have someone on land close by and watching you.
  • If a child is swimming or playing near the water, an adult must be at arm's reach and watching at all times. This rules out reading, chatting on the phone and drinking alcohol. Keep a phone handy, however, near any pool.
  • Air-filled water toys such as water wings, mattresses and other plastic inflatibles are not life preservers! They are toys only, and are made to deflate.
  • Pool toys belong in a pool's shallow end for non-swimmers to safely play with them, wearing their PFDs, of course. Empty pools should never have tempting toys in or near them.
  • All pools need a 5-foot fence around their 4 sides. Gate latches must be taller than a child, and must self-close and self-latch.
  • No drug or alcohol use before or during swimming, boating or water skiing. Teenagers especially need to learn about the dangers of alcohol and water sports.
  • Know how deep the water is before jumping or diving in. The American Red Cross recommends at least 9 feet of depth. This means that above-ground pools can't be dived into. Safest still, just ease yourself in feet first from the pool edge from a sitting position, even if you can see the bottom.
  • Eat or chew gum only after leaving the water. Both are a choking hazard during water activities.
  • Leave the water once you feel chilly. If your fingers and toes look blue or feel numb, it could mean the onset of hypthermia.
  • Know how to use cardio-pulmonary resuscitation (CPR).
  • Of course, you and your family will be taking swimming lessons!
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Personal Floatation Devices (PFDs or life jackets) must be used in the manner for which they are approved.

All USCG-approved PFDs are classified as Type 1, 2, 3, 4 (also 5 but we won't get into those).

Type 1 are used on ocean-going vessels and rarely used in instructional settings. They keep a person upright, slightly backwards and floating for long periods.

Type 2 are made to roll an individual on their back and support in that position. They fully cover the back/chest and usually have a "collar" as well.

Type 2 for infants and children often have a crotch strap to keep the PFD from slipping over the head upon impact with water.

Type 3 are the ones most often used for water sports and for swimming aids.They are also most affordable. These jackets are made to support an individual in water. These jackets will not roll an individual over onto their back. If the individual is unconscious or does not have head control, the jacket will support the individual, but in a face down position.

Type 4 is a life preserver, either a cushion or ring. This is thrown to a person who needs it until he or she is rescued. Type 4 is not meant for use by children or nonswimmers!