Scary Swimming Stats

If you tuned into NBC's Today Show this morning, you may have gotten a rude wake-up call regarding the dangers of swimming. Among the sobering statistics in their story, Pool Drowning Deaths on the Rise:

• There have been 77 drownings nationwide since Memorial Day
• 390 children under 14 drown each year
• Drowning is the #1 cause of death in children five and under.

As a parent who had his five year old (along with nieces, nephews and other relatives) in the water much of last week, this story is pretty alarming. We've already had several stories of drownings and near-drownings right here in WNY this summer, with several weeks of swimming season still ahead of us. 

The good news is, the Red Cross is here to help you take steps to ensure you don't become a statistic. The first--and maybe most important--step is to make sure everyone in your family knows how to swim. Even if you don't own a pool or live near a body of water, chances are your children will visit a friend or neighbor with a pool at some point. Enroll them in a Red Cross Learn-to-Swim program at your nearest aquatic facility (my son is taking his second class this afternoon!). Make sure you only swim in designated areas, and that there's a Red Cross-certified lifeguard at all public locations. Never swim alone, and make sure children are under constant supervision.

Of course, even if you follow all the recommended safety guidelines, there's always the chance that an emergency could occur. Make sure you are able to recognize when someone is having trouble in the water (as you can see from the Today Show video, it's not like you've seen in the movies!). Then, be ready to help save a life--sign up to take a CPR/AED/First Aid training course today.

Take it from this father--you'll never be able to stop your kids from wanting to enjoy the water throughout the summer, nor should you want to. Just take the time to ensure this summer swimming tradition doesn't turn tragic.

Make sure your summer story doesn't turn into a tragedy

Summer doesn't officially begin until Wednesday, but we all know the season is already in full swing, considering the unofficial summer kickoff in Western New York, The BASH, took place over two weeks ago. Now, as schools let out (my son finishes Kindergarten tomorrow!!) with temperatures predicted to be in the high 80's or even the 90's much of this week, many people will be hitting the pools to stay cool over the next few months.

Already, there are two stories in local media today about the dangers that water can present. Thankfully, the first of those stories has a happy ending. Because this mother had taken the time to learn CPR, she was able to revive her daughter after she was found unconscious in a pool, and that little girl is now hospitalized for what are reported to be precautionary reasons. We love to hear stories with happy endings like this, which is why we are thankful to Channel 7 and YNN for giving us the opportunity to discuss the importance CPR/AED, First Aid and water safety training today.

Unfortunately, not every story ends this well. Also in the news today is the story of a man whose body was pulled from the Erie Canal after he reportedly jumped in to cool off and never resurfaced. As summer begins, it's important to remember that not every body of water is as inviting as it appears. Fast moving currents and sudden dropoffs that can change water depth can occur sometimes even in what appears to be shallow water. We're surrounded by Great Lakes and several rivers and streams, but you should only swim in areas that are designated for swimming and supervised by lifeguards, and make sure to keep in mind your limitations and the abilities of everyone swimming with you.

Even if you take all the proper precautions for swimming in lakes, rivers, streams or in the neighborhood pool, an emergency can still take place. Knowing CPR can make the difference between life and death, so please take the time to sign up for a training class (and/or water safety courses!) so you are prepared should a situation occur. Let's work together to make sure this summer is filled with fun stories instead of tragic endings!

Preparedness month... day 23!

It's preparedness month! And we’re celebrating with 30 days full of tips on our favorite topic… preparedness!! If you’ve missed out on any of them, click here to take a trip through the month of September and catch up!!

Photo courtesy of udcinc.org

Preparedness Tip #23
In some emergencies you may be required to turn off your utilities. To prepare for this type of event:  

--Locate the electric, gas and water shut-off valves

--Keep necessary tools near gas and water shut-off valves

--Teach adult family members how to turn off utilities

If you turn off the gas, a professional must turn it back on. Do not attempt to do this yourself.

Preparedness month... day 22!

It's preparedness month! And we’recelebrating with 30 days full of tips on our favorite topic… preparedness!! Ifyou’ve missed out on any of them, click here to take a trip through the month of September and catch up!!

Photo courtesy of whatscookinginamerica.net

Preparedness Tip #22
When water is of questionable purity, it is easiest to use bottled water for drinking and cooking if it is available. When it’s not available, it is important to know how to treat contaminated water. 
In addition to having a bad odor and taste, water from questionable sources may be contaminated by a variety of microorganisms, including, bacteria and parasites that cause diseases such as dysentery, cholera, typhoid, and hepatitis. 
All water of uncertain purity should be treated before use.
Use one or a combination of these treatments:

--Filter: Filter the water using a piece of cloth or coffee filter to remove solid particles.

--Boil: Bring it to a rolling boil for about one full minute. Cool it and pour it back and forth between two clean containers to improve its taste before drinking it.

--Chlorinate:

--Add 16 drops (1/8 teaspoon) of liquid chlorine bleach per gallon of water. Stir to mix. Sodium hypochlorite of the concentration of 5.25% to 6% should be the only active ingredient in the bleach. There should not be any added soap or fragrances. A major bleach manufacturer has also added Sodium Hydroxide as an active ingredient, which they state does not pose a health risk for water treatment.

--Let stand 30 minutes.

--If it smells of chlorine. You can use it. If it does not smell of chlorine, add 16 more drops (1/8 teaspoon) of chlorine bleach per gallon of water, let stand 30 minutes, and smell it again. If it smells of chlorine, you can use it. If it does not smell of chlorine, discard it and find another source of water.

--Flood water can also be contaminated by toxic chemicals. Do NOT try to treat flood water.

It's preparedness month... day 15!

It's preparedness month! And we’re celebrating with 30 days full of tips on our favorite topic… preparedness!! If you’ve missed out on any of them, click here to take a trip through the month of September and catch up!!

photo courtesy of triplepundit.com

Preparedness Tip #15
Keep at least a three-day supply of water per person. Store a minimum of one gallon of water per person per day (two quarts for drinking, two quarts for food preparation and sanitation). Store water in plastic containers such as soft drink bottles. Avoid using containers that will decompose or break, such as milk cartons or glass bottles. A normally active person needs to drink at least two quarts of water each day. Hot environments and strenuous activity can double that amount. Children, nursing mothers, and people who are sick will also need more.

REMEMBER, water bottles/containers have expiration dates! Check them before consuming.

Everyone into the pool!




Photo courtesy moonbattery.com

 

Summer officially began yesterday afternoon, which means children of all ages will be diving into the water over the next few months.  While swimming can be a fun way to cool off while the temperature climbs, it's important to make sure it's done safely.

Even if you don't have a full above- or in-ground pool, you may have a portable pool in your backyard for the kids to enjoy.  While the water in these plastic or inflatable pools may not be as deep as in an inground pool, a person can drown in just an inch of water.  A recent Nationwide Children's Hospital study found that a child dies every five days in a portable pool, almost always in their own backyard.

So what can be done to make sure make sure we're enjoying this summer pastime safely?  Our Shoshone Dentice shared some pool safety tips on the CW23's "Winging It! Buffalo Style" this morning.  By following a few simple rules, you can help prevent drownings regardless of where the water is:

• Make water safety a priority.  Teach children to always ask permission to go near or in the water.  Ensure that everyone in the family learns how to swim well.  The Red Cross offers comprhensive learn-to-swim programs for children and adults--you can sign up to take a class here.
• Prevent unsupervised access to water.  Empty and store smaller pools immediately after use.  If you have a larger portable pool, treat it like an above-ground pool.  Remover ladders and secure the safety cover when the pool is not use.  Install pool barriers such as fencing to keep children from wandering into the water accidentally.
• Maintain constant supervision.  NEVER leave children unattended near water.  Always stay withing arms reach of young children, and avoid distractions when supervising children around the water.
• Know what to do in an emergency.  Every second counts when it comes to preventing death or disability.  If a child is missing, check the water first.  Make sure the entire family is trained in CPR so they'll know what to do in case of an emergency.  Register for a Red Cross First Aid/CPR class here.

If you are lucky enough to own a pool, the Red Cross has an online safety course that teaches the fundamentals of creating and maintaining a safe environment.

Why boil when you can UV?

Raise your hand if you love your Brita!! We sure do, but, would you trust your Brita when there is a “boil-water” warning out and you have no way to boil your water?

No need to fret thanks to the Hand-Powered, Battery-Free UV Water Purifier! This handy portable tool uses a proven UV system to destroy waterborne microbes, making your water safe for you, your family and your pets.

So, next time there is an earthquake, water-line break, you’re out camping and don’t pack enough water, or any other emergency situation that disrupts your drinking water supply, be happy that you took the steps to be prepared so that you won’t be parched! 

For more tips on water safety visit the CDC online or if you think that your school, company or organization would benefit from a Be Red Cross Ready presentation that focuses on being prepared for all types of emergencies, please contact Denise Herkey-Jarosch, Regional Coordinator, NYS Citizens Preparedness Program at 716.878.2231 to schedule a presentation.