American Safety Association Water Safety AN ORIENTATION FOR FAMILIES AND CAREGIVERS

American SafetyAssociation

Water SafetyAN ORIENTATION FOR FAMILIES AND CAREGIVERS


Welcome! Congratulations on enrolling in this course called Water Safety.

◦ This course is delivered online.

◦ It takes about 3 hours to complete.

◦ It is equivalent to American Red Cross Water Safety Today.

Water Safety provides important tips and guidelines to keep you and those you are responsible for safe in, on, and around the water. Upon successful completion of this course, you will receive a certificate indicating “Water Safety,” which is valid for 2 years.


Common RisksSOME OF THE REASONS TO BE CAREFUL AROUND THE WATER


Drowning Drowning is the process of experiencing respiratory impairment from submersion/immersion in liquid.

Drowning is a leading cause of accidental death.◦ According to the World Health Organization (WHO), around

372,000 people die from drowning each year worldwide.

◦ The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) report that about 10 people die from drowning every day in the United States.

◦ For every child who dies from drowning, another 5 children are hospitalized for nonfatal submersion incidents.


Drowning (continued)

Anyone can drown, but certain individuals have a higher risk.◦ Children ages 1 to 4 have the highest drowning rate. In 2009, among children in

this age group who died from an unintentional injury, 30% died due to drowning.

◦ About 80% of all drowning victims are male.

◦ Between 2005 to 2009, the drowning rate for African Americans were significantly higher than that of whites across all age groups. In the 11 to 12 age group, for example, African American children drown at a rate 10 times higher than that of white children of similar ages.

◦ For people with seizure disorders, drowning is a common cause of unintentional injury death, with the bathtub as the site of highest drowning risk.


Drowning (continued)

A number of factors can increase the risk of drowning:◦ Lack of close supervision.

◦ Lack of barriers around pools and other sources of water that prevent access.

◦ Lack of swimming ability.

◦ Being alone in, on, or around the water.

◦ Failure to wear life jackets when appropriate.

◦ Alcohol use.


Spinal Injury The spinal cord is a bundle of nerves that carry impulses from the brain to the rest of the body. Ring-like bones called vertebrae surround the spinal cord and form the spinal column. The vertebrae are cushioned by disks of cartilage.

A spinal injury can occur with any injury to the head, neck, or back. Spinal injuries can result from direct injury to the nerves or indirect injury to the surrounding bones or soft tissue.


Spinal Injury (continued)

Although most spinal injuries are the result of automobile accidents, falls, and violence, about 6.6% (2,000 injuries per year in the U.S.) are associated with high-risk aquatic activities (boating, diving, surfing/body surfing, and water skiing).

◦ Diving accounts for about 90% of aquatic-related spinal injuries. Diving injuries may include diving into shallow water, diving from a height, and diving into murky water.

◦ About 80% of all spinal injuries involve a male victim.

◦ The typical age of a spinal injury victim is 34.


Exhaustion and Over-Exertion Swimming requires stamina and energy.

◦ People often over-estimate their swimming ability. According to a survey conducted by the American Red Cross, although 80% of respondents said they could swim, only half of those “swimmers” were able to perform 5 basic skills that could save their life in the water.

◦ Too much swimming activity can lead to cramps, exhaustion, and panic.

Water conditions can contribute to over-exertion.◦ Cold water can sap a swimmer’s heat and energy.

◦ Moving water can keep the swimmer from reaching safety.

◦ Rocks, plant life, and other obstructions can make swimming difficult, even dangerous.


General Safety TipsBEST PRACTICES IN WATER SAFETY FOR YOU AND YOUR FAMILY


Tips for Everyone Never swim alone.

◦ Swim near the lifeguard in groups of 2 or more.

◦ If no lifeguard is on duty, designate a “water watcher” to keep an eye on the swimmers.

◦ Get in the water with small children and keep them within arm’s reach.

Follow the rules of the swimming area. Do not allow running, diving, rough play, prolonged underwater swimming, etc.

Use life jackets when boating, fishing, hunting, rafting, water skiing, etc. Have nonswimmers use life jackets when swimming.


Tips for Everyone (continued)

Look before you leap. Never dive:◦ Into shallow water.

◦ Into murky water, especially when the depth and bottom conditions are not known.

◦ From a height into unknown waters.

◦ Through waves or around rocks.

Never mix alcohol with swimming, boating, or other aquatic recreation.

Use sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat when in the sun. Protect young children from the sun.


Tips for Parents/Caregivers Supervise children in the water while preparing them to be self-reliant.

◦ Do not try to evade your supervision responsibility because of the presence of a lifeguard. Lifeguards supervise the entire swimming area; you watch only your children.

◦ Maintain in-water “arm’s-reach” or “touch” supervision with young children.

◦ Act as a water watcher from a nearby position on the deck or beach for older children.

◦ Allow children to be self-reliant as they gain swimming skills and demonstrate the ability to make good water safety decisions. The age, skill level, and judgment required for self-reliance varies from child to child and from environment to environment. When in doubt, watch!

◦ Make sure your family knows that no one is completely “drownproof” or “water safe,” regardless of their water safety awareness or swimming ability.


Tips for Parents/Caregivers (continued)

Use layers of protection to keep children safe. Layers of protection are overlapping strategies that work together to prevent access to water.Layers of protection should be solid, but lapses do occur, making holes like Swiss cheese. The more layers, the less likely that these “holes” will line up to allow accidental access to the water.



To use layers of protection effectively:◦ Deploy 2 or more layers in each aquatic environment.

◦ Create as few lapses in each layer as possible.

Examples of layers of protection include:◦ Constant adult supervision.

◦ Barriers that prevent access to the water.

◦ Alarm systems that sound when someone enters the water.

◦ Lifeguard service.

◦ Swimming and water safety instruction.



A water watcher is a parent or other responsible adult who supervises children in a swimming area. Click to download a water watcher card.

As a water watcher, you must: ◦ Watch the children in the water and never leave them unattended. Avoid reading,

chatting, or using the phone.

◦ Regularly scan the bottom of the swimming area.

◦ Learn how to use safety equipment.

◦ Keep a phone with you for emergency purposes only.

◦ Call 911 and be prepared to make a safe rescue and give first aid/CPR if needed.


Water Safety at HomeHOW TO KEEP YOUR FAMILY WATER SAFE AROUND THE HOUSE


Home Pool Safety Use layers of protection.

◦ Provide constant adult supervision at all times.

◦ Maintain barriers (fences, pool covers, etc.) that prevent access to the pool.

◦ Use alarm systems to alert the house when someone is in the pool unexpectedly.

Post pool rules and safety equipment.

Keep the water and pool area clean and free of hazards.

Have the family learn swimming, water safety, and first aid/CPR.


Hot Tub Safety To use a hot tub safely:

◦ Keep the water temperature at 104°F (40°C).

◦ Limit soaking time to about 15 minutes. Do not soak alone.

◦ Do not use alcohol while soaking.

◦ Consult your physician if you are pregnant or have a medical condition.

Keep the hot tub clean and filtering. Secure the hot tub when not in use.

Supervise children in the hot tub and do not allow access to children under 5 years of age.


Other Containers of Water Small children can drown in:

◦ Kiddie pools.

◦ Decorative ponds and fountains.

◦ Bathtubs.

◦ Toilets.

◦ Buckets and basins.

Apply layers of protection to these water sources, including supervising children at all times, maintaining barriers, emptying containers, etc.


Pool Parties Pool parties can be fun, but they introduce new risks for the homeowner.

◦ Check your homeowner’s insurance to ensure the party is covered by your policy.

◦ Limit the guest list to a safe number of children to use the pool at one time.

Alert the parents of guests using the invitation.◦ Announce the pool party; make it optional.

◦ Provide a schedule of pool time. Invite parents to come to watch their own children swim.

◦ Give a list of pool rules the must be followed.

Hire a lifeguard or designate a “water watcher” to supervise.


Water Safety in the CommunityHOW TO BE SAFE AT COMMUNITY AQUATIC FACILITIES


Community Swimming Pools Community pools and pools at school generally have lifeguard service or teacher supervision.

Follow these guidelines for these swimming pools:◦ Check out the quality of supervision, if possible, by visiting the pool and observing.

◦ Talk to your children about their experiences at the pool.

◦ Set limits for your children based on age and ability. Make sure your children are committed to following your limits and applicable safety rules.

◦ Communicate any concerns to the pool management or teacher/athletic director of the school.


Unsupervised PoolsMany states allow pool operators who do not charge admission (hotel/motel pools, homeowner association pools, fitness club pools, etc.) to post a “No Lifeguard on Duty” sign instead of providing lifeguard service. This limits their liability by putting you on notice that you must supervise your own children.


Waterparks In most states, waterparks must provide lifeguard service as well as life jackets for nonswimmers.

To have a safe waterpark experience:◦ Follow all instructions on posted signs for each

attraction or given by lifeguards. Abide by all age, size, or weight limits.

◦ Use a life jacket if you are a weak swimmer.

◦ Get into correct position for water slides – face-up and feet first.


Natural Bodies of WaterHOW TO BE SAFE AT LAKES, PONDS, RIVERS, AND THE BEACH


General Safety Tips Be familiar with the environment. Choose safe places to swim.

◦ Use designated swimming areas that have clean beaches and roped-off swimming areas.

◦ Swim where lifeguard service is provided.

◦ Avoid quarries, ditches, and dams.

Watch for changing conditions.◦ Currents, strong waves, and/or water levels that rise and fall.

◦ Murky water/obstructions.

◦ Plant and animal life.

◦ Docks, piers, and stationary rafts in disrepair.


General Safety Tips (continued)

Do not visit natural bodies of water during bad weather.◦ Avoid water, open areas, and trees during thunderstorms. Stay in your car or inside

your home.

◦ Watch for flooding and contaminated water after a heavy rain.

◦ Take care to avoid exposure to the cold.

Protect yourself if caught in a current.◦ Don’t fight the current. A 2-mile-per-hour current exerts 33 pounds of force per

square inch.

◦ Position yourself on your back with feet first. Use your feet to avoid rocks and obstructions.

◦ Roll onto your stomach when you are close to the side of the river and swim to safety. Protect your head and chest.


Ocean Safety The ocean has many unique conditions that can be hazardous to swimmers. For example:

◦ Currents/drifts.

◦ Dangerous marine life.

◦ Murky water.

◦ Rocks and other obstructions.

◦ Tides.

◦ Waves.


Ocean Safety (continued)

Currents and drifts create hazards with moving water.◦ Longshore drifts are currents that run parallel to shore. Children playing in the

surf zone can be moved in the direction of the current until they are out of your sight.

◦ Rip currents are powerful, narrow channels of fast-moving water. Rips are prevalent along the East, Gulf, and West coasts of the U.S., as well as along the shores of the Great Lakes. These currents can quickly move weak swimmers out past the surf zone.



Certain marine animals can bite or sting.◦ For stingrays, sea urchins, and spiny fish:

◦ Shuffle your feet in the sand to cause stingrays and spiny fish to move out of your path.

◦ If you are stung by a stingray, sea urchin, or spiny fish, soak the wound in hot water for 30 minutes and watch for an allergic reaction or breathing difficulty.

◦ For jellies (also called jellyfish):◦ Never touch a jelly – they may still sting even if they appear dead.

◦ If stung by a jelly, rinse the tentacles off using vinegar or sea water (not fresh water) and then soak the wound in hot water for 30 minutes.

◦ For sharks and curious sea mammals, swim in groups to discourage contact.



Murky water:◦ Hides rocks and other hazardous obstructions.

◦ Makes it difficult to know the depth of the water or the bottom conditions.

◦ Conceals passive victims taken underwater.

Tides can change the depth of the water quickly.◦ Shallow areas can become suddenly deep, causing weak swimmers to struggle.

◦ Deep areas, formerly safe for diving, can become shallow and unsafe.

◦ Rocks and other obstructions are closer to the surface during low tide.

◦ Rapidly rising high tides can trap beachgoers on rocks or against cliffs.



Wave action can be dangerous, even life-threatening.

◦ Strong waves can knock swimmers down and toss them about in the surf zone, making it difficult to stay at the surface or get to shore.

◦ Breaking waves by rocks can cause life-threatening injuries to swimmers who get too close.

◦ Shore break waves can slam body surfers and swimmers onto the sand with deadly force.

◦ The sudden swash and backwash associated with breaking waves can knock people off their feet and pull them into the water.



To stay safe at the beach:◦ Check weather and surf conditions in your area.

Check the flags displayed when you arrive at the beach (see illustration on the right).

◦ Stay close to the lifeguard station. Talk to the lifeguards about surf conditions and other hazards.

◦ Do not dive through waves or into murky water.

◦ Supervise children in or around the water at all times.

◦ Stay away from rocks when the surf is heavy.



◦ Learn to recognize rip currents so you can avoid them.◦ A channel of water that appears as a break in the surf line or different than surrounding

water.

◦ Churning, choppy water.

◦ Objects, debris, and swimmers moving away from shore.


River Safety A river is a channel of fresh water moving from higher ground (the source) to lower ground (the mouth), connecting to a lake, the sea, or another river.

In terms of recreation, rivers are primarily used for boating, canoeing, kayaking, and rafting, although sometimes people swim where rivers meander or form pools, and the current slows.


River Safety (continued)

To use a river safely:◦ Never boat alone. Be sure the boating/whitewater skills

of your group are equal to river conditions.

◦ Tell someone at home where you are going, when you expect to be back, and where to call if you do not return on time.

◦ Wear a properly fitted, US Coast Guard approved personalflotation device (PFD) at all times when in or near the river.

◦ Be prepared for weather extremes, especially the cold. Understand the dangers of hypothermia and know the early signs of dehydration and heat exhaustion.


River Safety (continued)

◦ Minimize injury and the effects of temperature extremes by wearing protectivefootwear and proper clothing for the weather and environment.

◦ Carry a first aid kit and know how to administer first aid and CPR.

◦ Never run a rapid unless you can see a clear path through it. When in doubt, stop and scout the river. If you are still in doubt, carry canoes or kayaks downstream to avoid river obstacles (a practice called portage).

◦ Know your rescue limits. When caught in a river current, position yourself face-up with feet first until ready to roll onto your stomach to swim for shore. To help others, reach or throw, don’t go.

◦ Avoid hydraulics (tumbling vertical whirlpools created by low-head dams). To escape a hydraulic, swim below it and past the boil.

Hydraulic

Portage sign


Waterfront Safety A waterfront is a public or private aquatic facility, usually with a dock, swimming area, and changing rooms, located on a natural body of water or a man-made lake with little or no wave action.

Waterfronts pose unique safety risks including:◦ Changing conditions (weather and water).

◦ Contamination.

◦ Murky water and obstructions.

◦ Plant and animal life.


Waterfront Safety (continued)

To use a waterfront safely:◦ Select a waterfront with a designated swimming area and

lifeguard service.

◦ Never swim alone.

◦ Check weather conditions before going to the waterfront. Never plan a trip to open water if there is a chance of a thunderstorm or inclement weather.

◦ Do not swim at a waterfront immediately after a heavy rain because of the risk of flooding or water contamination.

◦ Be prepared for weather extremes and cold water.


Waterfront Safety (continued)

◦ Avoid contact with the lake’s thermocline (an abrupt change in temperature at a certain depth). The sudden coldness can cause swimmers to black out and never surface.

◦ Avoid areas with heavy underwater plant growth. Plants can interfere with swimming.

◦ Be aware of dangerous animals native to the region. Do not swim, sunbathe, or camp if dangerous animals have been reported in the area. Follow the instructions of the waterfront director or park ranger with regard to dangerous animals and other hazards.

◦ Carry a first aid kit and know how to administer first aid and CPR.

Avoid swimming in unimproved lakes and ponds unless you know that the water is clean and safe. Avoid dams, ditches, and quarries.


Cold Water, Boating, and Ice SafetyHOW TO SURVIVE IN THESE HARSH ENVIRONMENTS


Cold Water Facts Cold water is water under 70°F (21°C). Most open water in the United States falls below this temperature every winter.

Cold water drastically reduces survival time.◦ Sudden immersion in cold water shocks the body, causing hyperventilation. You

may breathe underwater and suffocate, hyperventilate enough to pass out, or suffer cardiac arrest.

◦ Without a life jacket, you can only survive for about 10 minutes in cold water before your arms and legs stop working. With a life jacket, you can remain at the surface even with impaired limbs at least 60 minutes before hypothermia sets in. Even the strongest swimmer will become incapacitated in about 10 minutes.


Cold Water Facts (continued)

Even if you can swim to safety, your body may shut down near shore.

◦ During cold exposure, adrenaline keeps your body working. As you near shore, your body thinks you are safe and stops producing adrenaline. Your body then shuts down as shown in the video segment.

◦ If you cannot move close to shore, you may collapse and drown or suffer severe hypothermia.


Boating Safety If you have a boat, be sure to follow these safety guidelines:

◦ Take a boating safety course and get your boating license online at boaterexam.com.

◦ Take advantage of the US Coast Guard’s free vessel safety check.

◦ File a float plan with a neighbor or relative so someone is aware where you plan to go boating and when you plan to return. The US Coast Guard provides a free float plan template.

◦ Follow a predeparture checklist (like the one on boatsafe.com).

◦ Always check weather conditions before departure. Get off the water if you see signs of a sudden storm.

◦ Use lifejackets while boating, water skiing, jet skiing, etc.

◦ Avoid alcohol while boating. If your group must drink, designate a “sober skipper.”

http://www.boaterexam.com/usa/

http://wow.uscgaux.info/content.php?unit=V-DEPT&category=i-want-a-vsc

http://www.floatplancentral.org/download/USCGFloatPlan.pdf

http://boatsafe.com/nauticalknowhow/check.htm



http://boatsafe.com/


Life Jackets Life jackets should be worn while boating, hunting/fishing around cold water, or using recreational aquatic equipment. Nonswimmers should wear life jackets while swimming or playing at a waterpark.

To be appropriate, a life jacket must be:◦ US Coast Guard approved (it will have a label like the one to the right).

◦ The right type for the activity (see next page).

◦ The right size for the wearer. It should fit snugly but comfortably in and out of the water.

◦ In good repair, including buckles or straps.


Life Jackets (continued)

There are 5 types of life jackets and personal flotation devices (PFDs).

In addition to these basic types, some life jackets are inflatable (no bulk until needed), some provide more insulation against the cold, etc.

Type IV are throwable devices. Type Vare devices designed for a specific purpose.


HELP and Huddle The heat escape lessening posture (HELP) and the huddle are two techniques used in cold water to reduce heat loss while waiting to be rescued.

HELP (used when alone) Huddle (used as a group; children and old peoplecan be in the middle)

These techniques require flotation so you can trap water close to your body and stay still to warm the water with body heat. Either technique increases survival time in cold water.


Ice Safety Ice poses one of the greatest cold water dangers. You cannot judge the safety of ice by its appearance, so it is impossible to know that it is safe.

◦ When in doubt, don’t go out onto the ice. And never go onto the ice alone.

◦ At least 4 inches (10 cm) of new ice is required for skating or ice fishing. Additional thickness is required for driving on the ice (although you should avoid this if at all possible).

◦ Wear layers of winter clothing and a flotation aid under your clothes. Carry ice picks.

◦ Avoid thin, old, or weak ice. Look for posted signs warning about ice conditions. Also, look for indication of weak ice (object protruding from the ice, snow or dirt covering the ice, cracks in the ice, etc.).

◦ Avoid alcohol use when on the ice.


Self-Rescue from the Ice Follow these steps if you fall through the ice:

◦ Do not panic. Do not remove winter clothing.

◦ Turn toward the direction you came. This may be the strongest ice.

◦ Place your hands and arms on the unbroken surface of the ice. If you have ice picks, use them to provide traction.

◦ Kick your feet and dig in with the ice picks to climb back onto the ice. If your clothing has trapped a lot of water, you may have to lift yourself partially out of the water on your elbows to allow the water to drain before climbing out onto the ice.

◦ Do not stand. Lie flat on the ice and roll or slide away from the opening in the ice.

◦ Get to a warm, dry, sheltered place and rewarm yourself carefully.


Helping OthersHOW TO ASSIST OTHERS WITHOUT ENDANGERING YOURSELF


Recognizing an Emergency To respond to an aquatic emergency, you must recognize one is occurring. Stay alert at all times and be prepared for anything.

◦ Make use of the safety information in this course to prevent the emergency from occurring. Most accidents are preventable.

◦ Remember that emergencies can occur even with good swimmers.

◦ Recognizing an emergency can save a person’s life.

Use all your senses to help you recognize the emergency. Unusual sights, sounds, smells, etc. can be indicators that something is wrong.


Victim Behaviors Victims in trouble in the water display recognizable behaviors.

Behavior Swimmer Distressed Victim Active Drowning Victim

Passive Victim

Breathing Rhythmic Can breathe; may wave or call out;

Struggles to breathe; cannot wave or call out

No breathing; unconscious

Arm and Leg Action

Coordinated Some sculling, stroking, kicking, grasping

Arms thrashing; no supporting kick

No action

Body Position

Horizontal; relaxed

Diagonal; increasing level of panic

Vertical with head back; wide-eyed

Face down or submerged

Movement Recognizable

Little or no progress; some means of support

None; will submerge in as little as 20-60 seconds

No movement

This table compares the behavior of swimmers to 3 types of victims in the water.

The behaviors in this column are known collectively as the “instinctive drowning response.”


Victim Behaviors (continued)

Distressed victims are not drowning. They have some means of support; they may be able to float or tread water or they have flotation. Because of this support, they may be able to breathe, wave, and call out for help.

Distressed victim holding lane line

Distressed swimmer waving and calling for help

Although distressed victims are not drowning, they may still need your assistance to get to safety.



Active drowning victims have no support. They struggle to breathe silently for a short time before submerging.

Active drowning victim, unable to wave or call out

Active drowning victim – sometimes small children cannot even get their head above water



Passive drowning victims have suffocated in the water. They do not move and may be unconscious, not breathing, and without a pulse. As indicated by the

photos, passive victims may be at the surface or submerged.


Deciding to Act You can save a life by deciding to act. Do not put your own life at risk! Always maintain a position of safety.

A position of safety means to maintain a location or stance that affords maximum protection while you perform a risky action such as assisting a victim in the water. For example, “reach or throw, don’t go” is an attempt to maintain a position of safety by not entering the water.

Only someone with special training and proper equipment (e.g., a lifeguard) should perform a swimming rescue.


Acting Safely The most important action you can take is to call 911 or the local emergency number. Even if you can do nothing else, make that call!

Always reach or throw, don’t go. ◦ Extend your reach to the victim with a pole or other object or throw a buoyant

object attached to a line. Pull the victim to safety.

◦ If reaching or throwing to a victim in cold water or in a break in the ice, they may not be able to grasp an object after 10 minutes.

Help the victim from the water and provide care.

Documents

American Safety Association Water Safety AN ORIENTATION FOR FAMILIES AND CAREGIVERS