Tag: drowning

Emergency Lake Tips – Advice On How To Rescue Someone Who Is Drowning

Posted on Glenn S. Phillips

Emergencies can and do happen, whether we are prepared for them or not. Even though the lake can be a pretty property with all the best amenities, it also has an increased risk for drowning.

However, if you are fully prepared for an incident like this however unlikely, then there is still a possibility that you could save this person’s life.

There are several basic steps that you should take in case there is an emergency such as this. You must react quickly and assist them immediately. Every second is extremely crucial.

Dial 911

No matter how trained or prepared you think that you are, it is important to first call 911 before doing anything else.

A child is only able to stay afloat about 30 seconds in water while struggling. An adult can last roughly three minutes. This means your actions need to be quick so you can get back to assisting the victim.

Reach for the Victim

If the person in danger is near the shore, dock, or pier, the first thing you should do after dialing 911 is reach out to the person. You should be lying flat on your stomach and reach your hand out towards the victim.

If you cannot reach, you may use an object such as broom stick or towel, something that when they grab, you are able to pull them to you easily.

Throw A Flotation Device in the Water

If you are at a public swimming pool, there are typically flotation devices attached to ropes that you can throw into the water to help pull them to safety. Anything that they can grab onto easily and will allow them to float is perfectly okay to use.

Row or Go

If you have access to a boat or are already on a boat, row or steer towards the victim and try to pull them onboard.

Once the Rescue is Complete…

Now is the time to attend to the victim and provide any first aid that they may need. If they are not breathing, make sure you perform CPR (but only if you are certified) on the victim until the paramedics arrive. Chest compressions and mouth to mouth recitation is necessary to increase their survival chances.

These may sound like very basic steps to take, but you’d be amazed at how differently people react during emergencies. The most important thing you can do is react quickly, call 911 immediately, and do anything you possibly can to ensure that the victim is safe, within the limitations of your physical abilities.

These are very important skills to have in order to be able to save a friend or family member in an emergency drowning situation. However, make sure you do not put yourself in harms way in the process.

It is helpful to receive lifeguard and CPR training if you own property on the water and could once day encounter the possibility of a drowning emergency.

Lake Safety – How to Get CPR Certified

Posted on Glenn S. Phillips

Nobody wants to have to deal with emergencies, but let’s face it, they do happen. So, becoming certified in CPR will help prepare you for those emergencies. And, it will give you the opportunity to save somebody’s life.

There are specific steps that you will need to take in order to become certified in CPR. If you follow these steps, you can rest assured that you will be prepared in the event of a dire situation.

Find a Course in CPR

cpr courseThe first thing you will need to do is find a CPR course that suits your schedule. There are CPR classes that are available both in person, and online. Community centers and hospitals typically have on-going classes available to attend.

You can also visit websites such as the American Heart Association, American Red Cross, and the National Safety Council as they offer courses as well.

There are a number of different courses available for beginners as well as for individuals simply looking to refresh their skills. If you are just interested in learning about CPR, the courses are generally about an hour long, but more extensive courses are available.

Refresher Course

As previously mentioned, there are CPR courses that are geared towards individuals who have had their CPR certification in the past, but would like to take a refresher course simply to brush up on their skills. Certifications are typically only good for two years, so make sure that your certification is current and up-to-date.

Time Commitment

Classes will vary in length so make sure to choose wisely. It is important that the class you are taking fits your schedule. Some can be lengthy, while others you can take online at your own convenience. Regardless of which you choose, make sure that you pick one that you have time to commit to.

First Aid Kit

First AidMake sure you assemble a first aid kit for emergency situations. You should also become trained in first aid as well which will help teach you how to prepare a kit. Make sure your kit has the proper bandages and gauze, as well as sanitizer and a list of CPR instructions.

There are a number of emergencies that can occur, other than those that require CPR. Emergencies such as snake bites, cuts, and scrapes. It is always best to be prepared for any and all types of emergencies.

Those are just some basic steps you will need to take in order to become CPR certified. Many courses that are offered are free or are very low cost. You can call your local community center as well as hospitals to obtain more information as to where you can become CPR certified.

Hopefully, this will be a skill that you never have to utilize, but regardless, it is better to be prepared for any situation you may encounter.

Brush Up on Pool Safety

Posted on Glenn S. Phillips

Many lake homes have pools allowing the homeowner to enjoy a private dip, but a pool, just like any body of water, can be very dangerous.

According to the National Safety Council, nearly 600 adults and children drown every single year in swimming pools. However, if you know the rules and understand the importance of pool safety, then you can make this number go down tremendously.

Sometimes common sense is not used and dangerous events could occur. Listed below are some pool safety tips that will keep you and your children safe over those fun summer months in the pool.

Pool RulesSafety Codes

One of the most important things you can to do to prevent pool accidents from occurring is to study up on the codes and ordinances in your community. Also as what their specific requirements are.

This will assist you in preparing a guideline and establishing a set of rules for your pool.

Be sure to familiarize yourself with the National Safety Council’s Water Safety Tips.

Material Used to Create the Pool Area

You must be very careful when you are choosing the materials of your pool equipment. Items such as ladders, diving boards, and the deck of your pool must all be made from non-slick materials.

This will help prevent any unnecessary slips and falls. A great deal of injuries that occur near water happens because a portion of the pool area was slippery. This could be very easily prevented by the materials you choose.

Pool Ladder Standards

Most pool owners do not know this but it is required that you have a ladder at both sides of your pool. This will give swimmers quick access if they need to get out due to an emergency. It is an absolute must that these ladders have handrails that a child can grasp, so they must be small.

One other aspect of the pool ladder most people do not know is that the steps must be at least 3 inches wide. Following these basic guidelines will help you to ensure that access both in and out of your pool is easy.

Pool Area Fencing

While there is no national law regarding pools and fences, many states have laws in place requiring a barrier around the pool to prevent small children from entering unsupervised.

The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission has released a Safety Barrier Guidelines for Residential Pools that can help you better understand regulations.

Pool Cleanliness

Make sure that you take the time to clean your pool on a regular basis as well as maintaining the equipment. This means that you must check for any broken equipment. This includes ladders and any other materials that are worn out or missing.

Make sure also that your children know some basic pool etiquette. No pushing, of course, and no running or horseplay. These activities are the most common reasons why young children fall in the pool and get hurt or drown.

Following these basic guidelines for safety will help you and your family stay safe at the pool.