7 practical ways to avoid drowning in swimming pool

Drowning is a safety issue that needs to be taken into account whenever one goes out to swim.

Swimming is an excellent way to work your entire body and cardiovascular system.

An hour of swimming burns almost as many calories as running without all the impact on your bones and joints.

With all the benefits that come with swimming, personal safety while swimming cannot be overemphasized.

Children and adults alike run the risk of losing their lives through drowning.

Drowning is the process of experiencing respiratory impairment from submersion or immersion in liquid. Drowning can either be fatal or non-fatal.

Fatal drowning happens when the drowning results in fatality whereas non-fatal drowning occurs when a person survives a drowning incident.

Some of the outcomes of non-fatal drowning range from no injuries to very serious injuries such as brain damage and permanent disability. While children are at the highest risk of drowning, anyone can drown.

According to the Centres for Disease Control and Prevention, children aged 1-4 have the highest drowning rates where most of the drownings happen in swimming pools.

Males account for 80 per cent of people who die from drowning.

The good news is that such an eventuality can be prevented. Some of the ways one can prevent drowning include;

Learning basic swimming and water safety skills – Formal swimming lessons can alleviate the risk of drowning.

Children who have had swimming lessons still need close and constant supervision when in or around water.

Building Fences that fully enclose and demarcate pools- Be sure to construct and use a four-sided fence that fully encloses the pool and separates it from the house.

This ensures that children and those at risk of drowning are not attracted to play anywhere near the pool.

Ensure close supervision- Supervision is key in preventing the risk of drowning. Allow a responsible adult to supervise closely and constantly when children are in or near water-this includes bathtubs.

Adults watching kids in or near water should focus and avoid getting distracted by reading, using the phone or consuming drugs as drowning happens quickly and quietly.

Put on a life jacket- Putting on a life jacket reduces the chances of drowning while boating for people of all ages significantly. Do not rely on air-filled or foam toys as they are not safety devices.

Avoid alcohol- taking alcohol while swimming puts you at a high risk of drowning whether swimming, boating or other water activities. Alcohol inhibits judgement, balance and coordination.

Acquaint yourself with the risks of Natural waters -water bodies such as lakes, rivers and oceans have hidden dangers such as dangerous currents or waves, rocks or vegetation and obscured visibility.

It is noteworthy to check the weather forecast before activities in or near water.

Don’t hold your breath for too long- Avoid hyperventilating before swimming underwater or try to hold your breath for long periods underwater as this can cause you to pass out and drown.

Armed with these basic precautions you are better placed to prevent yourself and the next person from drowning and this will go a long way in reducing the number of injuries or deaths caused as a result of drowning.