Safer Response

Learning cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR), first aid and other rescue techniques through ongoing certification courses is an effective way to reduce accidental drowning and near-drowning incidents and to limit their severity when the incident is discovered at its outset by a responsible adult.

There is also no reason why children of an appropriate age and maturity can’t learn the same techniques.  They are effective and certification programs that exist to teach them are widely available. Keeping an emergency action plan, rescue equipment and telephone by the pool at all times has also proven effective.  Swim for Life Foundation, Inc. strongly endorses their use.

But why aren’t these proven responses more widely practiced?  Sadly, most bystanders can only dial 911 and wring their hands while waiting for emergency medical units to arrive.

We believe there are two main reasons.  The first is a simple general unawareness of water dangers, especially to small children, and common sense practices and use of safety equipment that can substantially reduce risk.  Second, many people believe that learning CPR is too difficult or that its inadvertent improper use may open up the practitioner to liability.  Both concerns can be addressed with an effective community-wide public educational program.

Having a plan of action already in place in the event of an emergency can make the difference in saving a life.  A phone should always be at poolside, for emergency use and not to become a distraction from actively supervising children in the water.  Proper safety equipment should be present.