Unlike fish, people can’t breathe underwater and need air to live. People drown when too much water gets into their lungs. When that happens, the lungs can’t carry enough oxygen to the brain and the rest of the body.
Drowning is the second most common cause of death from injuries among kids under the age of 14. Drowning can happen to anyone, and is very fast, sometimes in less than 2 minutes after a person’s head goes under water. That leaves very little time for someone to help.
Many drownings and near-drownings occur when a child accidentally falls into a swimming pool. But accidents can happen anywhere — at someone's home or even at your own house, and that's why you need to know how to be safe around water.
Drowning is the second most common cause of death from injuries among kids under the age of 14. Drowning can happen to anyone, and is very fast, sometimes in less than 2 minutes after a person’s head goes under water. That leaves very little time for someone to help.
Many drownings and near-drownings occur when a child accidentally falls into a swimming pool. But accidents can happen anywhere — at someone's home or even at your own house, and that's why you need to know how to be safe around water.
Pools are awesome! What could be better than a swim in the pool and fun in the sun? But a pool's sides and bottom are usually made of concrete, a rock-hard material. A slip or fall could be painful and dangerous.
Have you seen those big numbers painted on the side of the pool? These numbers are called depth markers and tell you how deep the water is at that point. You should always look before you jump into a pool. You should also only dive off the diving board. Never dive off the side of the pool unless an adult says that the water is deep enough. The water may be shallower than you think. If you hit the bottom . . . ouch! You might get knocked out or you could hurt yourself very badly.
Test the pool's water temperature before you plunge in. Cold water can shock your body and make your blood pressure and heart rate go up. You might accidentally open your mouth to yell and accidentally breathe in some water. Cold water can also slow your muscles, making it hard to swim.
Have you seen those big numbers painted on the side of the pool? These numbers are called depth markers and tell you how deep the water is at that point. You should always look before you jump into a pool. You should also only dive off the diving board. Never dive off the side of the pool unless an adult says that the water is deep enough. The water may be shallower than you think. If you hit the bottom . . . ouch! You might get knocked out or you could hurt yourself very badly.
Test the pool's water temperature before you plunge in. Cold water can shock your body and make your blood pressure and heart rate go up. You might accidentally open your mouth to yell and accidentally breathe in some water. Cold water can also slow your muscles, making it hard to swim.
- Always have an adult watch you when you are in the pool — even in your own backyard. Never go in the pool if there is no adult around.
- Gates are around pools for a reason — to keep kids away from the water when there isn't a lifeguard or adult around to watch them.
- Never go through any pool gates when they are closed. Stay safe and stay out!
- Always obey pool rules.
- Swim with a buddy.
- If you're learning to swim, ask your mom or dad to make sure your flotation devices are Coast Guard approved.
- Walk slowly in the pool area. Don't run.
- Swim at a depth that is safe for you. If you're just learning to swim, stay in the shallow end.
- Don't push or jump on others. You could accidentally hurt someone or yourself.
- Don't chew gum or eat while you swim — you could choke
- Lastly, always have fun!