LANSING, Mich. (WLNS) — The unofficial begin to summer season was simply two weeks in the past, however the Nice Lakes Surf Rescue Challenge already reviews eight drownings this yr on Lake Michigan—and it could take rather a lot lower than a Nice Lake to trigger a serious emergency.
“On a national level, drowning is the leading cause of death for children 1 to 4,” said Bob Pratt, Director of Education with GLSRP. “And it’s the second leading cause of death of children under 15.”
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Yearly, there are greater than 4,000 deadly drownings within the U.S., in line with the Facilities for Illness Management.
“That’s all ages, all swimming abilities, all races, all genders, all ethnicities, and all kinds of water and even all swimming abilities,” mentioned Alissa Magrum, Govt Director of The Nationwide Drowning Prevention Alliance.
Consultants like Pratt and Magrum say simply figuring out the right way to swim doesn’t suggest you are protected.
“The more layers of protection we can put between ourselves and our children and the water, the better off we are,” mentioned Pratt.
Pratt says there are various myths about drowning. Magrum says drowning is commonly fast, silent, and preventable.
“Drowning isn’t waving and yelling like it’s shown on TV,” said Pratt. “If I’m choking and gagging on the water, I am unable to yell.”
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Consultants say it could take only some inches of water to trigger a drowning emergency, and any quantity of water that may cowl each your mouth and nostril may be harmful.
They advocate designating somebody as a “water watcher.” GLSRP has water watcher playing cards that present what drowning really seems like and record what the job entails.
“A water watcher means an undistracted, capable adult who is watching the water [and] watching around the water so that if there is an emergency, they see it and they can respond appropriately,” mentioned Magrum.
Consultants additionally counsel being conscious of the rescue provides accessible and educating water security from a younger age.
“Make sure you’re wearing a life jacket, but make sure that life jacket is U.S. Coast Guard approved,” mentioned Krista Beyer, advertising communications director for the YMCA of Metropolitan Lansing. “We always recommend that you don’t swim alone. Always have someone with you. If you’re a child, you should always have an adult with you, and if you’re an adult, make sure you have a friend with you.”
Pratt says if you end up in a drowning state of affairs, don’t panic, and bear in mind: FLIP, FLOAT, FOLLOW. Flip onto your again to catch a breath, float to preserve vitality, and observe the trail to security.
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Michigan lawmakers just lately proposed Home Invoice 4477, which might require water security training in faculties.
“I absolutely support [the bill],” mentioned Magrum. “I wish we would have it at the federal level, and I wish that every state would pass this.”
Pratt and Margum hope initiatives just like the invoice will save lives.
“I’m really hopeful,” mentioned Pratt. “We think drowning prevention education is one of the big keys to helping prevent the drowning problem in the state.”
It’s essential to do not forget that drowning is a hazard for EVERYONE, regardless of your age or expertise. In case you’re on the lookout for extra info on swim classes or water security, go to the Seen on 6 part of our web site.
