DOH Logo linking to Home Page
You are here: DOH Home ? News Releases Home ? 05-075
Search | Employees

For immediate release: June 21, 2005 (05-075)

Contacts:
Kathy Williams, Emergency Medical Services & Trauma System 360-236-2862
Gary Fraser, Environmental Health 360-236-3073
Jeff Smith, Communications Office 360-236-4072

Safe swimming and water sports will keep summer fun
Avoid tragedy by following simple safety rules

OLYMPIA ? This year?s early warm weather is already tempting people to hit the water. Swimming and other water recreation are great ways to stay active, keep cool and spend time with friends and family.

Regrettably, that combination may lead to tragedy as shown by at least five drowning cases in Washington during the record hot temperatures around the Memorial Day weekend.

Drowning is the second leading cause of injury death for children under age of 18. Local child death review teams reviewed 101 of the 125 childhood drowning deaths from 1999-2003. Most (63%) of these drowning deaths occurred in outdoor settings such as lakes, rivers, and ponds, where people were supposed to be having fun.

There are some simple things you can do to reduce the drowning risk for you and your family. Life jackets are a must; a life jacket is your best buddy.

"Wearing your life jacket is like wearing your seat belt," said Kathy Williams, Injury Prevention Specialist with the Washington State Department of Health. "When we are in a motor vehicle, we don?t expect to be in a crash, but if it happens, our seat belts help reduce our risk of injury and death. In a boat, swimming in open water, or (for small children/non-swimmers) playing by the water, we don?t expect to get into trouble or to drown?life jackets are there to help us survive."

U.S. Coast Guard approved life jackets are also a requirement for children under 13years of age while on boats under 19 feet long.

When swimming in the ocean, beware of rip currents. These are powerful, unseen currents in salt water; undertows and tidal changes that can sweep people off their feet and out to sea. If you want to play in the surf, wear a life jacket; know the tide table, obey warning signs and plan your recreation around it. If you are caught in a rip current, swim parallel to the shore until you are out of the current, then swim into shore.

Here are some other tips for water safety:

  • When possible, swim where lifeguards are present. Children who are in or near the water should be supervised closely by sober, attentive adults.
  • Stay within designated swimming areas. Every year Washington teenagers and adults drown while swimming beyond designated areas in lakes and rivers.
  • Be cautious of sudden drop-offs.
  • Many rivers and lakes remain cold all summer; even if they get warm on the surface, they stay cold below the surface. Cold water makes it hard to swim, especially when someone is tired.
  • Know your limits and your ability; stop before you are too tired.
  • Weather and water conditions can change quickly. Check weather forecasts and be prepared for adverse conditions.
  • Set limits with your children - when they can go in the water, where they can go, who needs to be there and what they should have with them.
    •

    Drowning prevention tips (http://www.drowning-prevention.org/) and a coupon for a 25 percent discount on life jackets are available online.

    ###

    DOH Home | Access Washington | Privacy Notice | Disclaimer/Copyright Information

    Access Washington Logo linking to Access Washington Home Page

    Contact Information for the Department of Health

    Last Update : 03/05/2009 08:39 PM
    Send inquires about DOH and its programs to the Health Consumer Assistance Office
    Comments or questions regarding this web site? Send mail to the Webmaster .