Drowning Prevention Guide: Summer Safety Tips
With the arrival of summer and warmer weather, concerns about drowning increase significantly in Portugal. During the summer months, more than a third of deaths occur by drowning, standing out as one of the main causes of death among children and young people. According to the World Health Organization, more than half of drowning victims are under 25 years old, ranking among the 10 main causes of death in this age group.
Of particular concern are the high rates of drowning among children aged 1 to 4, a particularly vulnerable group. It is alarming to know that a child can drown silently in less than 3 minutes and in shallow water.
Measures to Reduce the Risk of Drowning
Effective drowning prevention involves strict control of access to water and the adoption of specific safety practices:
-
Appoint an adult responsible for supervision: Ensure that there is always an attentive adult capable of intervening in emergency situations.
-
Keep a phone nearby: Be prepared to call for help quickly if needed.
-
Teach children to swim: From the age of 3.5/4, it is recommended to start swimming lessons.
-
Safe behaviors in the water: Instruct children to never swim alone, to stay parallel to the shore and to avoid diving headfirst into unfamiliar areas.
-
Raising awareness from an early age: Raise awareness among children about the dangers of water from an early age, promoting progressive awareness.
Precautions to Take When Supervising Children
It is crucial that responsible adults avoid:
- Consuming alcoholic beverages, which compromises surveillance.
- Participate in water activities or boating while supervising children in the water.
- Rely exclusively on inflatable devices such as armbands, which can easily deflate. Always opt for life jackets.
- Allowing a child to be alone near any source of water, including bathtubs and buckets, even if they are small.
Safety in Domestic Swimming Pools
If you have a swimming pool at home, take the following precautions:
-
Install a protective fence: Fences with automatic gates at least 120 cm high are essential to separate the pool from areas such as the house, garden and play area.
-
Keep a telephone nearby: Always have a telephone with the local emergency number (112) at hand and know what to do in an emergency.
-
Remove toys from the pool: After use, remove toys that could attract children and cause them to fall into the water.
-
Learn resuscitation techniques: Knowing and practicing cardiopulmonary resuscitation techniques can make a difference in critical situations.
By taking appropriate preventative measures and maintaining constant vigilance, you can effectively protect children from the dangers of drowning, providing them with a safe environment to enjoy their summer in the water.
References:
