WAYNE, NJ [AUGUST 17, 2010] – We have seen long runs of hot dry weather perfect for swimming over the course of the summer, but are we doing everything we can to prevent a great day of fun from turning into tragedy? According to Joseph Testa, MD, Chairman of Emergency Medicine at St. Joseph’s Wayne Hospital a division of St. Joseph’s Regional Medical Center in Wayne, New Jersey, there are, unfortunately, inherent risks when we go swimming.

In 2007 there were 3,443 drowning deaths reported in the US. More than one in five of these fatalities were children under the age of fourteen. This makes drowning the third most common cause of accidental death in young people. These include pools and natural water settings (such as the ocean, rivers or lakes). “Most drowning of those over 15 years old occur in natural water setting,” says Dr. Testa. “There is an additional estimate of 4-7 patients being seen in emergency departments for water related emergencies for every one death. Non-fatal drowning can also have terrible outcomes with brain damage that can lead to long-term disabilities including memory problems, permanent loss of basic functioning, and learning disabilities.”

While drowning deaths occur in all age groups, the statistics on children are particularly alarming when we think about some basic ways that these deaths can be prevented. It is reported that 69% of children who become victims in swimming pool accidents were not expected to be in or at the pool, but were found drowned or submerged in the water. Ninety-five percent of these accidents occurred either in a pool owned by the victim’s immediate family or those owned by relatives or friends.

According to Dr. Testa, there are some basic steps that can be taken to significantly reduce the risk of drowning and water-related injury:

• Supervision. Always designate a responsible adult to watch children while swimming or playing around water. This person should always be close enough to provide “touch supervision,” being close enough to reach the child at all times.
• Buddy System. Always swim with a buddy, and select swimming sites that have lifeguards whenever possible.
• Learn to swim. Teach children to swim at an early age, but realize that this does not preclude one from taking other preventative steps. Reports show that 71% of drowning victims knew how to swim at some level.
• Should a child be missing, check the pool first. Every second counts in preventing disability and death.

For home swimming pools:

• Completely enclose the pool area in a fence that cannot be climbed or crawled under. Fit the fence with gates that are self-closing and self-latching.
• Remove toys and floats from the pool when swimming is done, thereby taking away the temptation for a child to get in the pool or reach over the edge.
• Use approved life jackets for those not able to swim well.
• Check the condition of pool drains and suction systems to ensure that any risk of entrapment from broken grate covers or unprotected points of suction do not pose a risk for swimmers.
• Post rules in the pool area like “no running,” “no dunking,” “no pushing,” “no diving except in designated areas”, and go over them with swimmers.

For natural bodies of water:

• Know the environment. There are dangers that are hidden under the surface such as rocks, weeds that can entangle swimmers and currents.
• Be aware of the meaning of posted colored warning flags.
• Always follow the directions of local authority or posted informational signs.

Should an accident occur, be prepared:

• Have access to a phone to call for help - 911 does save lives.
• Take the time to learn CPR, and have other appropriate family members learn too. This simple act can make the difference in averting tragedy. It takes time for 911 respondents to arrive at a scene, and providing CPR while waiting for their arrival can make the difference.
• Get the victim out of the water as rapidly and safely as possible.

Many of the things discussed are simple to implement and seem basic, but it only takes minutes for a terrible tragedy to occur. It is often basic vigilance, and attention to detail, that keep us all safe. The summer season and water activities are part of everyone’s life. Each of us has the responsibility to make this time of year safe and fun.

St. Joseph’s Wayne Hospital, an acute care community hospital in Wayne, NJ, is a division of St. Joseph’s Regional Medical Center in Paterson, NJ, and a member of St. Joseph’s Healthcare System, which also encompasses St. Joseph’s Children’s Hospital in Paterson, NJ, St. Vincent’s Nursing Home, in Cedar Grove, NJ, and Visiting Health Services of NJ, in Totowa, NJ. For information about the programs and services of St. Joseph’s Healthcare System, sponsored by the Sisters of Charity of Saint Elizabeth, visit our newly enhanced website, www.StJosephsHealth.org, or call 877.757.SJHS (7547).