By: John Michael Pierobon
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports that every year in the United States there are more than 4,000 drownings. Florida leads the nation in unintentional drowning deaths of children, according to the Florida Department of Health. Additionally, the World Health Organization estimates coastal drownings in the United States account for $273 million each year in direct and indirect costs, not to mention the tragic loss of thousands of lives.
This can all be prevented by learning how to swim and being aware of rip currents.
We teach children how to tie their shoelaces and ride a bicycle, yet an American Red Cross survey found that most U.S. children do not know how to swim. The risk of drowning can be significantly reduced if children take swimming lessons by age 4. The Red Cross and other local organizations offer free swimming lessons.
Knowing how to swim is a critical life skill everyone should have, and it is never too early (or too late) to learn. Besides being fun, swimming builds character and confidence, improves motor skills, reduces stress and is essential for water safety.
Florida boasts 825 miles of beautiful beaches surrounded by warm water, where millions visit and inevitably jump into the ocean.
Rip currents are a serious threat to beachgoers, causing hundreds of drownings every year in the U.S. They are undetectable by the average person, making them particularly dangerous. Anyone can drown in a rip current, regardless of age or fitness. More than 80% of drowning victims are males aged 10 to 30 years old.
Recognizing the signs of rip currents is the first step in avoiding them. These include: (1) change in water color from the surrounding water such as lighter and murkier from bubbles and sediment, or darker due to depth of the underwater channel; (2) a gap in breaking waves where the rip is forcing its way seaward through the surf zone; (3) choppy surface water that extends beyond the breaker zone; and (4) floating objects, where present in the surf, moving seaward.
It is important to always be aware of the dangers of rip currents and to know what to do in case of an emergency. If a person is struggling in a rip current, they should wave for help and hope someone sees them. Do not panic. A bystander should immediately call 911. Alert a lifeguard if available. If a flotation device is nearby, throw it to the victim, but never attempt to rescue someone without proper training and equipment.
Tragically, 11% of rescuers die trying to save a victim.
If you are caught in a rip current, remember the best course of action is flip, float and follow. First, flip over onto your back to keep your head above water. Float to stay calm and conserve energy. Follow the safest route to safety and out of the water. Swim parallel to the shore until out of the current and then swim back to shore at an angle. If too tired to swim, continue to float and signal for help.
Do your part - be water safe and water smart.