Joy Peterson posted on June 28, 2010 10:14
Rome, Ga. - In the past week, two people have drowned in area lakes and rivers. The Floyd County Emergency Management Agency is urging people to use extreme caution when participating in any water activities i.e. fishing, boating or swimming.
“Our area rivers can be deceptive,” said Scotty Hancock, Floyd County EMA Director. “They can appear to be calm on the surface, but below the surface, the water can be swift and take you with it. When swimming stay hydrated, cramping can be dangerous even to the most experienced swimmer. Remember, consuming an excessive amount of alcohol while swimming, can be a deadly. Alcohol can impair your judgment and make you take unnecessary risk you would normally not take.”
www.webmd.com offers some rescue tips for helping a possible drowning victim in the water:
- Use a long stick.
- Throw a rope with a buoyant object, such as a life jacket.
- Bring a canoe alongside the victim and tow the victim to shore. Do not haul the victim into the boat because it may cause the boat to capsize, and both of you will be in the water. Cold water may render the victim too hypothermic to grasp objects within their reach or to hold while being pulled to safety.
- As a last resort, you can attempt a swimming rescue if you are sufficiently trained in water rescue. Do not attempt a rescue beyond your capabilities. Otherwise, you may harm yourself.
- For a swimming rescue, approach the person from behind while trying to calm the victim as you move closer. A panicked victim can pull you down.
- Grab a piece of clothing or cup a hand or arm under the victim's chin and pull the person face up to shore while providing special care to ensure a straight head-neck-back alignment especially if you think the person has spine injuries.
It is also important to remember general water safety rules as well. The National Spa & Pool Institute offers these tips:
- Supervision -- Constant adult supervision is the primary precaution for which there is no substitute. Never take your eyes off a child when he or she is in or near a body of water,not even for a second. All other safety precautions should be used in addition to constant adult supervision. Don't consider your child to be "drown-proof" because you enrolled them in swimming class.
- Toys -- Toys, tricycles and other playthings should be stored away from the pool or spa area. A favorite toy left near the water can be a very strong attraction for a child.
- Substance-free -- Never use a pool or spa while, or after, consuming alcohol or any drugs. Consult a physician if taking any medication on a regular basis prior to swimming or using a spa.
- Diving -- Know the depth of the water prior to diving, and never dive into shallow water. Never dive into an aboveground pool. Learn safe diving.
- Fences and gates -- Fencing should be at least four feet high. Check local regulations for specific requirements in your area.
- Door and gate alarms -- Many devices are available that attach to pool/spa access doors and gates that will sound a loud chime when opened and closed. And placing alarms on sliding doors, windows and all exit doors will alert you to children leaving the house.
- Perimeter and motion alarms -- Infrared detector beams are among the high-tech safety options now available at very affordable prices. Infrared systems sound an alarm when the beam is crossed, and can be installed around the perimeter of a pool or spa. Water motion alarms are placed in the water along the edge of the pool and sound an alarm when the water is disturbed in any way.
- Latches and locks -- Fence gates should have latches that automatically close and latch securely. Windows and doors that open to the pool or spa area should all be equipped with self-latching devices.
- Safety covers -- Get an impenetrable covering that completely covers the pool or spa, blocking access to water. Insist on a cover that has a label stating that it meets the ASTM F13-46 standard for pool and spa covers.
- Main drain cover --Check your main drain cover to make sure it's not missing or broken.
- Portable telephone -- A cordless or poolside phone means parents don't have to leave children unattended while they answer the phone.
- Ropes, life rings, shepherd's crooks -- Rope and float lines placed across the pool alert swimmers to the separation of the deep and shallow ends of the pool. Rescue equipment such as life rings and shepherd's crooks can be used to pull someone in trouble to safety.
- Emergency procedures -- Learning CPR, cardiopulmonary resuscitation, is a skill that may save a life. The local YMCA/YWCA, the Red Cross and many local hospitals offer classes.
For more information on this and other government operations in Rome and Floyd County, please visit
www.romefloyd.com.
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