Tragedy Can Strike In Moments

In light of several drowning deaths in the Philadelphia area this summer, the American Red Cross of Southeastern Pennsylvania is offering water safety reminders.

According to a press release issued by the American Red Cross of Southeastern Pennsylvania, it only takes moments for tragedy to strike. Practicing water safety, maintaining constant supervision and knowing how to respond to an aquatic emergency will help you avoid tragedy.

Here are tips for practicing water safety:

• Swim in designated areas supervised by lifeguards.
• Always swim with a buddy; do not allow anyone to swim alone.
• Ensure that everyone in the family learns to swim well.
• Never leave a young child unattended near water and do not trust a child’s life to another child; teach children to always ask permission to go near water.
• Have young children or inexperienced swimmers wear U.S. Coast Guard-approved life jackets around water, but do not rely on life jackets alone.

Here is a printable download for home pool safety.

Here are tips on maintaining constant supervision:

• If you have a pool, secure it with appropriate barriers—many children who drown in home pools were out of sight for less than 5 minutes and in the care of one or both parents at the time.
• Actively supervise children whenever around water—even if lifeguards are present. Always stay within arm’s reach of young children.
• Avoid distractions when supervising children around water.

Here is a printable download on water safety.

Here are tips for knowing how to respond to an aquatic emergency:

• If a child is missing, check the water first. Seconds count in preventing death or disability
• Know how and when to call 9-1-1 or the local emergency number
• Enroll in Red Cross water safety, first aid and CPR courses to learn how to respond
• Have appropriate equipment, such as reaching or throwing equipment, a cell phone, life jackets and a first aid kit

Here is a printable download on responding to a water emergency.