Debunking common drowning myths - Your Life

While shallow water in pools or along coastlines seem harmless enough to let a child splash around in, you may be surprised to learn that most drownings occur in less than four feet of water. In fact, experts from the American Safety & Health Institute (ASHI), a first aid training and safety organization dedicated to designing and delivering programs in health, aquatic safety, and emergency medical care, warn that small children can drown in as little as one inch of water and in just 30 seconds.

"While knowing the techniques for rescuing a person who is either conscious or unconscious in water can mean the difference between life and death, it is just as important to prevent this type of accident by debunking some of the more-common water myths," argues Jill E. White, director of aquatic safety programs at ASHI. "In my professional career as an aquatic safety and swim instructor, I've seen so many mistakes made near the water by the public. These mistakes are perpetuated by misconceptions about water safety." Here are some of the most-common water myths:

* Good swimmers don't drown. Fact: People drown for many reasons, not only because they lack swimming skills. Many factors can contribute, such as a medical emergency, injury, hyperventilation that causes blackout, overexertion, hypothermia, cramps, etc. Some gifted swimmers have lost their lives in this manner. Good swimming skills are never a replacement for proper supervision.

* Children learn water skills best at a pool or at the beach. Fact: The development of safety awareness, water skills, and a sense of enjoyment of the water should begin at home in the bathtub. Children will then become ready, willing, and sale participants in swimming programs and water activities as they get older.

* The more adults present when children are swimming, the safer the environment. Fact: When you assume everyone is watching, usually no one is. When friends or family are gathered poolside, the tendency is for everyone to think someone else is watching. Having a designated "water watcher" helps ensure that dedicated supervision is being provided, but the best bet is to keep your eyes on your own children at all times, even if a lifeguard is present.

* Flotation devices serve the same purpose as lifejackets. Fact: Lifejackets are specifically designed to hold a person on top of the water. Flotation devices (floats, noodles, rafts, etc.) usually require an individual to hold on, sit on, or lay on the device and are not dependable. Among other risks, flotation devices increase the chance of weak swimmers falling off in water that is deeper than they would swim in without the float.

* Drowning victims thrash, splash, and yell for help. Fact: Many drownings are "silent"; a person has submerged and is unable to return to the surface. The struggle occurs underwater and the victim makes no sound. Unless someone is diligently watching the water (including the pool bottom), the individual may go unnoticed until it is too late for resuscitation (CPR) to be effective.

* Water-related accidents only happen to people who are careless. Fact: Accidents are never expected events, and therefore can happen to anyone at any time. Being prepared to react and give care during an emergency can often be the difference between life and death--for yourself as well as the person in trouble. Training in water safety, water rescue, CPR, and first aid provides the skills needed to save lives and the knowledge to take some of the panic out of the situation.

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