Avoid ER visits this spring break with these water safety tips
Parkland experts outline precautions for children, adults to prevent drownings
Whether your spring break plans include a family trip to the water park, riding jet skis at the lake or enjoying a beachside beverage, Parkland Health experts are offering safety tips to help ensure you and your family have a safe and enjoyable vacation.
Pools, lakes and beaches are great ways to cool off, but they can quickly become dangerous without proper safeguards. The World Health Organization lists unintentional drowning among the leading causes of death worldwide. In the U.S., there are more than 4,000 drowning deaths each year, according to the latest data from the Centers for Disease Control (CDC).
“When someone is drowning, it's usually silent. They're not always waving or yelling; they're fighting just to get a breath. Once water covers the nose and mouth, the body panics, and the person holds their breath. Within seconds, they start to lose strength,” said Jeffery Metzger, MD, Chief of Emergency Services at Parkland. “The brain isn't getting the oxygen it needs, and that sets off a dangerous chain reaction throughout the body.”
Drowning is the leading cause of death for children between the ages of 1 and 4 and one of the top causes of death among kids ages 5 to 14.
“Water is exciting for little ones, but the waves can also be unforgiving. It's crucial that an adult is watching children closely any time they're in or near the water,” said Courtney Edwards, DNP, MPH, RN, CCRN, CEN, TCRN, NEA-BC, Director of Trauma Community Outreach at Parkland's Rees-Jones Trauma Center. “Life jackets save lives — period. Many of the most serious water injuries we see involve strong swimmers who didn't expect trouble. Wearing a life jacket isn't about skill; it's about buying yourself time if something goes wrong.”
These tragedies often occur in familiar settings, such as backyard pools, and can happen in a matter of seconds. Parkland experts urge families and people of all ages to prioritize water safety during spring break travel to prevent drowning tragedies by taking precautions such as:
- Teaching children basic swimming and water safety skills. Formal swimming lessons reduce the risk of drowning.
- Swimming only when a lifeguard is on duty.
- Supervising children when near any body of water.
- Wearing life jackets at all times near water.
- Enrolling in a CPR course.
- Installing fencing or gates around pools so that they are fully enclosed.
- Designating a sober "water watcher" to supervise all swimmers.
For adults who enjoy an alcoholic beverage while spending time on the water, Dr. Metzger urges extra caution. The CDC estimates nearly one in three drownings involve blood alcohol concentration (BAC) levels of 0.10% or higher.
“Alcohol and water can be a dangerous mix,” he said. "Even a small amount of alcohol can slow your reaction time, affect your balance and judgment and make it harder to survive if you fall into the water. Having a drink or two may seem harmless, but going overboard can quickly impair your ability to stay safe in or around the water."
Parkland experts say taking a few simple precautions can make all the difference between a fun day in the sun and a preventable tragedy. By staying alert, supervising children closely and making smart decisions around water, everyone can focus on enjoying their spring break safely.
“Spring break should end with memories, not emergency room visits,” Edwards said. “Enjoy the sunshine, enjoy the water and enjoy the season — just do it in a way that keeps everyone healthy, safe and ready for tomorrow.”
For more information about Parkland services, visit www.parklandhealth.org.
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