Drowning Doesn't Look Like Drowning: What to Watch Out For

Since so many of us are going to be open-water swimming this summer, often with others who may be new to the open water, and since so many of us are parents who will be in and around water with our kids and with other kids, please take a moment to read this webpage on Why Drowning Doesn't Look Like Drowning and how to identify someone who is truly drowning.

The statistics given are eye-opening:

Drowning does not look like most people expect.  There is very little splashing, no waving, and no yelling or calls for help of any kind.  To get an idea of just how quiet and undramatic from the surface drowning can be, consider this:  It is the number two cause of accidental death in children, age 15 and under (just behind vehicle accidents) – of the approximately 750 children who will drown next year, about 375 of them will do so within 25 yards of a parent or other adult.  In ten percent of those drownings, the adult will actually watch them do it, having no idea it is happening

 Take a moment and read the article. It could save a friend's life, a child's life, a stranger's life. I have pulled one drowning child from a river, he was on an inner tube yet could not swim. He was wearing cut-off jean shorts that became very heavy when he tipped into the water. Many other adults were present yet none recognized that the child was in trouble. It's not always easy, and always best to err on the side of caution (especially with a child). Be safe!