I am a good swimmer, in fact when I was a teenager I used to swim in national competitions. Even more impressive is that I used to swim butterfly. One mile every morning before school and one mile after school. So you would think that I would be completely safe in the water. And yet last year I had a scary experience when I swam in some very cold water.
Over the past few months there have been numerous harrowing stories in the press about drownings. It is and easy to see in this fabulous hot weather why a river or lake would look so inviting. Wonderfully cold and refreshing and all you want to do is to dive into them - and there is the problem. You don't know the dangers that might lurk in that river or lake.
I read an interesting fact sheet today on Instinctive Drowning Response on the Red Cross Website that I think it a must read. It lists how people actually react when they are in trouble in the water and it looks nothing like what most people would expect.
Here are the facts:
1. It’s subtle
Far from the histrionic waving and splashing about on telly, a drowning person will instinctively spread their arms and paddle down in an attempt to stay above the surface. No matter how good an idea it might seem, a person can’t just ‘stop drowning’ for a few seconds to wave for help – it’s literally beyond their control.
2. It’s quiet
A drowning person will alternately dip below the water and briefly back up again. They’re struggling so hard just to exhale and inhale again – to actually breathe – that speaking doesn’t even come into it.
3. It’s quick
Someone who is drowning will only last from 20 to 60 seconds before succumbing. Children are obviously at the lower end of that time spectrum, so it’s vital to recognise the danger signs.
Of course, if someone is splashing and shouting for help (which is called aquatic distress) they still need immediate help, but the time to really worry is when they go quiet.
According to water safety expert Frank Pia, there’s another complication for younger people in the water: “The drowning movements of a young child can actually look like they’re doing the dog paddle.”
For details of Safe and Sound First Aid Courses go to www.safeandsound.uk.net
