Water Safety: An Expert Speaks

Lots of people will be heading for pools and beaches over the long Fourth of July weekend.

Experts in water safety, such as Tom D'Antonio, a member of the Huntington Community First Aid Squad and a certified lifeguard through the Red Cross for more than 25 years, provided  some ideas on avoiding trouble.

D’Antonio has been a lifetime boater and is certified in ice rescue, and is an EMT.

Question: What are some of the safety risks for children at a pool or a
beach?

Answer: Possibly the greatest safety risk for kids in and around water
is their as-yet-developed sense of awareness, attention span and heightened level of excitement being in and around a fun environment such as a swimming pool and a beach, or boat.  All kids (as mandated by NY State Law, all children under the age of 12 must wear a PFD Personal Flotation Device while aboard any vessel) should be wearing a pfd. Parents and care givers should remain ever vigilant.  Kids see their friends and other kids swimming and splashing, having a good time and are often completely unaware of water depth, tide, bottom conditions, water temperature or even their own limited ability to
swim.

Q.: What should an onlooker do if they see someone who appears to be in
trouble at a beach or a pool?

A.: IN EMS we refer to it as "scene size up." When you arrive at a pool or beach it's always a good idea to observe: where is the lifeguard, is there a lifeguard, is there safety equipment nearby (a ring buoy or flotation device with retrieval line, a rescue pole). If you see someone in trouble, make note of where they are, at a beach for instance, pick a landmark of sorts in case the swimmer suddenly goes down you'll have a point of reference. Immediately notify a lifeguard or request assistance from other people in getting help from police or other trained personnel. Do not enter the water unless there is no other timely, reasonable alternative. Without proper training you could easily wind up a second victim. A person struggling to survive in the water is as dangerous to any would-be rescuer as a frightened and desperate animal. if you are not trained but feel that you must enter the water to render assistance to someone in distress make certain to have a flotation device to place
between you and the stricken bather, a Styrofoam float, inflatable float, surfboard, something for them to grab onto to stay afloat without grabbing you. keep talking to them to attempt to keep them calm and watch their eyes and facial expressions for any signs of panic which could put you, the would-be rescuer, squarely in harm's
way.

Q.: What are some of the signs of drowning?/What should people look
for?  What we are really talking about are the signs to look for before
the situation actually deteriorates to a drowning.  A lone swimmer,
wading perhaps somewhat tentatively or looking around uneasily and
generally appearing uncomfortable in their surroundings.

Q.: What else should people know?

A.: Whether it is at a beach, in a pool or on a boat the most important aspect of maintaining a safe environment is being keenly aware of your surroundings (scene size up). Observing currents & riptides, knowing that you can not swim against a current but must try to swim diagonally across a current gradually making your way to shore, if you are aboard a boat that sinks (it is rare for a boat to completely submerge) stay with the boat, (there is a much greater chance of rescuers spotting  an overturned or swamped vessel than an individual in the water).

Q.: Anything else?

A.: Recovery of a drowning victim: if the victim is conscious, remove any
accessory wet clothing (pants, shirts, sweatshirts etc.), as wet clothing will rob the body of warmth, causing a person to go into shock. Wrap them in dry blanket or beach towels. If they are not having any difficulty breathing and are exhibiting signs of shock (mottled or wrinkled skin, blue lips, shivering) try to get them to lie down, elevate their feet and keep them warm until help arrives.