Reach or throw - Don't go!

-

 I started with fourth grade swims at the YMCA teaching this ditty, "Reach or throw, don't go!"  A lesson for all ages!  Once you are in about the 4th grade your around the age of looking after younger siblings so it's a great age to teach about safety around water.  Why not just jump in and help someone struggling in the water?  Because, then you both are going to be struggling!  The one in the water first will be trying to grab anything they can reach onto and if that is you, you'll be pushed under as they try to get their head above water to survive getting air.  

What is good to use to reach out with?  A back yard pool is usually equipped with skimmers, desk brushes, noodles, you make find a rake or shovel, make sure you reach with the handle end, we don't want to hurt anyone.  Stay as low to the ground the entire time, so you don't get pulled into the water.  If you feel you are getting unstable and might fall into the pool, let go of the item you chose.  You MUST tell the person what to do, they are confused and struggling and cannot think for themselves.  Shout, "grab on!" loudly and repeat until they do so.  Pull the person to the wall and make sure they grab onto the wall as you go get help.  

What is good to throw?  If you cannot reach as far as the person is from the edge of the pool, you need to throw something that floats that they can grab onto.  What may be around that you can use?  A pool noodle, kick board, life jacket, puddle jumper. What about a ball?  It floats!  But it is very hard to grab onto and will be pushed away instead.  If you take a look at a lifeguard on duty, they have a rescue tube, in their hands or on their shoulder, that they will place between themselves and the person struggling in the pool.

50" Standard Rescue Tube

Always seek help from an adult whether it is the one at home or calling 911 and getting professional help.  

What about a baby? or a small toddler who couldn't push you under if you were to jump in and help them out?  If it is safe to go in, do so as quickly as possible, you should be able to make that call.


Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Summer is upon us

-
Image
 Summer is coming quickly!  Are you and your children comfortable with all the summer activities that are bound to excite you this year?  Including all the fun you can have around water? Safety of utmost importance when doing anything around water.  Be it swimming, hiking near water (lakes, river, streams), boating, fishing, canoeing.  Before you go on your day or weekend excursion, make sure you know before you go, what type of safety equipment will be required, and do's and don'ts around moving water.   First let's discuss pools, specifically back yard pools.  Many people have them and there isn't a lifeguard on duty.  So parents stay around the pool not actually paying attention to what is going on in the pool.  Most child drownings take place within 10 feet of an adult.  That is why you need to establish a schedule for being a water watcher during pool time.  Adults can establish a schedule for prioritizing a person to spec...
Read more

Back Yard Pools

-
Many people have a pool in their back yard and it is a fantastic luxury and can also be a major hazard.  Make sure you know how to be safe in your own pool. 1. Never swim alone!  No mater how skilled you are, you cannot predict things can cause an emergency.  Without any one knowing your in your pool, a minor infractions such as a cramp, blackout, to severe medical issues such as a heart attack or stroke time is of essence and when water is involved time is diminish substantially if you go under and cannot get oxygen.  2. Know what to look for before entering the pool.  If the water is green or algae is growing in corners, your chemicals are clearly off.  Check your pool chemicals on a regular basis and more often if you are using it a lot.   3. know your pools normal level of water.  If it gets too low (evaporation), or too high (precipitation), your chemicals can be off as well.  Also, knowing your normal water level, if your skimmer o...
Read more