ATLANTA — Summer time is a time for barbecues, fireworks, and pool parties with friends and family. One would think that fireworks would be the most dangerous activity, however, an average of 3,536 people die in drowning accidents.
According to the CDC, children ages 1 to 14 are the most at risk. The organization says drowning is a leading cause of injury death for young kids, and three children die every day as a result of drowning.
The National Safety Council found that 19 children die annually from being under water too long.
11Alive has gathered the top suggestions from the CDC, NSC, and The American Red Cross to give you the simplest tips.
1. Know who can swim and who can't.
Before hosting a pool party or a fun get-together on the lake, make a list of the guests who cannot swim. This will help everyone maintain mindfulness and care around the water.
2. Use a buddy system.
Once you know who can't swim, pair them with a person who can. This will create accountability between both people, and make it easier to keep track of everyone.
3. Keep flotation devices handy.
Sometimes inflatable arm floaties won't cut it. Make sure everyone has a life jacket or something large enough to keep their face out of the water. The more items and people that can float, the better.
4. Make sure children are with an adult at ALL times.
Looking away for only a second can cause fatal accidents. Do not allow children to be unattended, in or out of the water. Children may not understand the dangers of water, it is an adult's job to be accountable for them.
5. Make sure someone knows CPR.
Fifty-four percent of Americans claim to have an understanding of how to perform CPR, but make sure at least one person who knows CPR is at your party. If no one attending knows this life-saving task, learn it for yourself. Watch YouTube videos or Season 5, Episode 14 of The Office.
Have a happy and safe summer from our 11Alive family to yours!