Learn To Swim And Where

By Shannon Randol, intern contributor, American Red Cross

Did you know Texas is ranked number one in the country for pool drownings? Tarrant County is ranked number two in the state. And the statistics haven’t changed for the past few years according to the Fort Worth Drowning Coalition.

The leading cause of death for children under the age of 4 is drowning, and it’s the second leading accidental death for children 14-years-old and younger according to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention.  

For every child that drowns, another five receive medical attention for water-related injuries. 

Swim lessons can be expensive especially if you have more than one child, but we have a solution for you. The Fort Worth Drowning Prevention Coalition offers swim lessons at a number of locations for only $5!

  

Safe Swim Schedule: 

• June 16-19, June 23-26 2015 at Westside YMCA 6:30 p.m. or 7:30 p.m.  
• July 28-31, Aug 4-7 2015 at Southwest YMCA 6:30 p.m. or 7:30 p.m.  
• Aug 25-28, Sept 1-4 2015 at Marine Park Pool 6:30 p.m. or 7:30 p.m. 

Cost: 

• $5 for 8 swim lessons 

You can register for classes here. Take advantage quick as slots will fill up!  

The YMCA’s in both Dallas and Fort Worth also offer special scholarships to those who qualify for swim and fun summer programs.  Here are the links for both applications: 

THE YMCA CAMP GRADY SPRUCE, DALLAS TEXAS APPLICATION 

THE YMCA METROPOLITIAN FORT WORTH SCHOLARSHIP APPLICATION 

The Red Cross team has also put together a number of resources and tips to help keep your family safe over the summer. Here are the some quick tips to stay safe: 

Water Safety 

• Never leave children unattended near water 
• Swim in designated areas supervised by lifeguards 
• Never assume someone else is watching your children 
• Make sure everyone in your family learns to swim well. Enroll in age-appropriate Red Cross water orientation and learn-to-swim courses.  
• Stay off of cell phones, give your attention 100 percent to supervising your children 
• Have appropriate equipment, such as reaching or throwing equipment, a cell phone, life jackets and first aid kit 
• Enroll in Red Cross first aid and CPR/AED courses to learn how to prevent and respond to emergencies  

Boating Safety from SafeKids.org: 

In 2011, 70 percent of all fatal boating accident victims drowned, and of those who drowned, 84 percent were not wearing a life jacket.  

• Have children wear a life jacket approved by the U.S. Coast Guard while on boats. Make sure life jackets sit snugly. Have the child make a “touchdown” signal by raising both arms straight up; if the life jacket hits the child’s chin or ears, it may be too big or the straps may be too loose. 
• Don’t drink alcohol while operating a boat. A huge number of boating accidents each year involve alcohol consumption. 
• Infants and young kids are at a higher risk for hypothermia, so if you bring a baby on a boat take extra steps to keep them warm.  

Swimming is great exercise and the perfect way to tire out the kiddies during the summer. Take the necessary precautions to insure the safety of your children this summer and each summer to come.  

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Water Park Safey Tips for a Fun & Safe Summer Outing

by Munira Syeda, volunteer contributor

Summer is here and that means lots of fun time with family and friends. At Red Cross, however, we also want to make sure that you have a safe summer. 

If you and your family are planning to head to any of a number of water parks in North Texas this coming holiday weekend, please follow these important safety tips.

1. Wear comfortable clothing, such as a loose shirt and shorts, comfortable shoes, and a hat or sunglasses to protect yourself from the sun’s harmful UV rays. Be sure to apply waterproof sunscreen generously and protect your skin against sunburns and skin cancer.

2. Follow all instructions for water rides and activities, including designated height and experience levels. Children who are under 48 inches and not strong swimmers should wear a U.S. Coast Guard-approved life jacket.

3. Actively supervise children and don’t be more than arm’s length away from them. To avoid the scenario of a child getting separated or lost, use a buddy system. Also designate a meeting place in case a family member gets separated.

4. It is a good idea to have all family members learn how to swim. You can enroll your family in age-appropriate Red Cross swim classes.

5. Keep yourself and your family hydrated by drinking plenty of fluids. Avoid caffeinated drinks since they contribute to dehydration. 

6. Practice cleanliness and stay healthy. Shower before participating in a water ride or activity. Wash your hands well after using the toilet. Take your children to the bathroom frequently throughout the day. If you have a baby, use waterproof diapers and change your baby’s diaper in designated changing areas.

7. Avoid alcohol consumption. Alcohol impairs judgment, balance and coordination; affects swimming and diving skills; and reduces the body’s ability to stay warm.

8. If you see someone in trouble, call a lifeguard immediately and follow their instructions.

For more water safety tips, visit RedCross.org. Have a safe summer!

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Eight Summer Safety Tips from American Red Cross

by Kay Pinkerton, volunteer contributor

It’s here!  Another searing, sweltering, steaming, scalding, sizzling, scorching, fry-an-egg-on-the-sidewalk Texas summer!

To ensure a fun and safe summer for you and your family, the American Red Cross offers the following safety tips. 

1. Fluids.  When conducting outdoor activities on hot days, drink, drink, drink.  Consume plenty of cold fluids – especially water.   Stay away from alcohol when conducting hot weather activities, however.   The risks include heat-related illness and accidents.
2. Sunscreen.   Use sunscreen when spending time outdoors – even on cloudy days.  The FDA recommends using broad-spectrum (protects both UVA and UVB) sunscreen with an SPF of 15 or greater. Apply 30 minutes before sun exposure and reapply every 1-1/2 to 2 hours. When the sun’s UV rays are strongest (10 a.m. to 4 p.m.), wear broad-brimmed hats and loose-fitting clothing for extra protection. 
3. Grilling.  According to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), 27 percent of home fires involving grills started on a courtyard, terrace or patio. Keep propane and charcoal BBQ grills a safe distance from your home, deck railings and overhanging branches. Keep children and pets away from the grill area.  Never leave a grill unattended.  And keep your grill clean – grease or fat buildup can cause fires. 
4. Exercise.  Early morning is normally the best time to work out, especially if the day promises blast-furnace heat conditions. For intense activities, drink a glass of water before leaving the house. Carry a bottle of water or a hydration pack such as a CamelBak®.  Replenish your electrolytes while running, cycling, or other intense exercise. 
5. Swimming.  Drowning is the second leading cause of accidental death for people ages 5 - 24.  Never leave a child unattended when near the water. If a child is missing, check the water first.  Even for strong, adult swimmers, use a buddy system while in the water due to issues such as fatigue or muscle cramps.  
6. Boating.  According to the U.S. Coast Guard, life jackets could have saved the lives of more than 80 percent of boating fatality victims.  Wear a life jacket at all times while boating.  Another leading factor in boating fatalities is alcohol.  Boating and liquor simply don’t mix.  
7. Helmets and safety gear.   Helmet use may reduce head injury risk, reports the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety.  When biking, skateboarding or other such activities, wear a comfortable, properly fitting, approved safety helmet.   Always fasten the safety strap. 
8. Red Cross classes.  Consider enrolling in a Red Cross home pool safety, water safety, first aid, or CPR/AED course.  It could mean saving a life.  

For more information on enjoying the lazy days of summer – safely – or to enroll in a safety course, visit the American Red Cross website. 

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The (Safe) Life Aquatic: Water Safety Tips for a Happy Summer

by Lauren McMinn Clarke, volunteer contributor

Do you prefer SPF 15 or SPF 75? Is your typical water entry a sleek dive or a crashing cannonball? Do you like to mingle with the fish, or would you rather float on a sherbet raft above the fray?

Whatever your heat-escaping water preferences are, it is so important to remember some general safety tips for your upcoming aqueous adventures.

Here are some basic safety reminders:

• Swim in designated areas supervised by lifeguards.
• Always swim with a buddy; do not allow anyone to swim alone. Even at a public pool or a lifeguarded beach, use the buddy system!
• Ensure that everyone in the family learns to swim well. Enroll in age-appropriate Red Cross water orientation and Learn-to-Swim courses.
• Never leave a young child unattended near water and do not trust a child’s life to another child; teach children to always ask permission to go near water.
• Have young children or inexperienced swimmers wear U.S. Coast Guard-approved life jackets around water, but do not rely on life jackets alone.
• Establish rules for your family and enforce them without fail. For example, set limits based on each person’s ability, do not let anyone play around drains and suction fittings, and do not allow swimmers to hyperventilate before swimming under water or have breath-holding contests.
• Even if you do not plan on swimming, be cautious around natural bodies of water including ocean shoreline, rivers and lakes. Cold temperatures, currents and underwater hazards can make a fall into these bodies of water dangerous.
• If you go boating, wear a life jacket! Most boating fatalities occur from drowning. 
• Avoid alcohol use. Alcohol impairs judgment, balance and coordination; affects swimming and diving skills; and reduces the body’s ability to stay warm.

Please visit RedCross.org for a comprehensive list of water safety tips.

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Avoid Wicked Ways: Tips for a Safer Memorial Day Weekend

Written by Kyla Campbell, staff contributor


Kids are out of school, you're itching for 5 o'clock and for the last few hours all you can think of is how the warm sun feels as it lands on your shoulders. You've officially been bitten by the fast approaching kick-off to summer—Memorial Day weekend!


While the long weekend—packed with fun family adventures, days spent in the water and nights spent grilling with friends and family—typically results in sun-blistered memories, ensure your water filled days are safe by following these tips.  

Understand the Risks. Make Sure Everyone Knows How to Swim Well.

• Home pool drowning is a leading cause of death for children younger than 5.
• Children were often out of sight less than 5 minutes and under the care of one or both parents at the time of many home pool drownings.*
• It is never safe to dive in an aboveground pool. Many in-ground pools are not safe for diving.

Take Action to Prevent Drowning.

• Learn how to safely respond to aquatic and other emergencies by taking Red Cross courses, such as First Aid, CPR, Lifeguarding and Basic Water Rescue.
• Surround the entire pool with a fence or barrier that is at least 4 feet high, has a self-closing and self-latching gate and is designed so that a child cannot climb over, under, around or through it.
• Keep children under active supervision when in or around the water.
• Have weak swimmers wear a U.S. Coast Guard-approved life jacket—do not rely on water wings or inflatable toys.
• Remove any pool toys from the pool or hot tub area when the area is not in use.
• Do not use alcohol and/or drugs before or while using a pool or hot tub.
• Establish and enforce rules, such as no one swims alone, stay away from drains, no loose/dangling items and no diving (if appropriate). Obey set limits for how much time is spent in hot water.

If you are a pool owner and want more a more detailed list of how to protect your family this summer while enjoying your pool, see our pool safety checklist at redcross.org.

*Source: U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission

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Video: Swimming and Water Safety

Red Cross experts answer your swimming and water safety questions.

• What are some general water safety tips that I should know and follow?
• So blow up toys, like water wings and rings, aren't safety devices?
• What are the courses in the American Red Cross Learn to Swim program?
• At what age should children start swim lessons?

To find Red Cross swim lessons near you, contact the American Red Cross-Dallas Area Chapter at 214-678-4800.

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Drowning: A Silent Killer

About 3,500 Americans drown each year, averaging ten deaths per day. More than one in five fatal drowning victims are children 14 and younger. A Red Cross survey from 2009 revealed that almost half of those polled nearly drowned in their lifetime. One in four people know someone who has drowned.

How could ten people die every day by drowning? Anita Foster, chief communications officer at the American Red Cross-Dallas Area Chapter, says one reason is many of us have the wrong idea about what to expect when drowning is occurring. Listen to the interview on TheAnchorMom.com

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Make this Fourth of July Fun and Safe! (Part 2)

What is it about the Fourth of July that makes you want to submerge yourself in water for extended periods of time? Oh yeah, it's that blazing Texas summer heat! But, before you take the plunge, check out these tips for keeping your Fourth of July swimming exploits safe!

Swimming Safety
Whether your favorite sun-and-fun locale is the pool, the lake or the beach, it’s important to stay safe both in and out of the water. The most important water safety measure is knowing how to swim. The Red Cross offers a variety of swimming courses designed to help anyone of any age and ability learn to strengthen their swimming skills. Additionally, the Red Cross offers CPR/AED and first aid courses as well. To locate swim lessons or enroll in a course, check with your local Red Cross chapter.

• Enter the water feet first. Enter the water headfirst only when the area is clearly marked for diving and has no obstructions.



• Adults should never leave a child unobserved around water. Practice "reach supervision" by staying within an arm's length of young children and weak swimmers while they are in and around the pool, lake or ocean.



• Take frequent breaks (about once an hour) where everyone gets out of the water, drinks water, reapplies sunscreen (SPF 15 or higher) and rests.



• If you are caught in a rip current, swim parallel to the shore until you are out of the current. Once you are free, turn and swim toward shore. If you can't swim to the shore, float or tread water until you are free of the rip current and then head toward shore.



• Watch out for the “dangerous too’s”: “ too tired, too cold, too far from safety, too much sun, too much strenuous activity.



• Post CPR instructions and directions to call 9-1-1 or your local emergency number in the pool area.



• Keep toys away from the pool when it is not in use. Toys can attract young children into the pool.



• If a child is missing, check the pool first. Go to the edge of the pool and scan the entire pool, bottom, and surface, as well as the surrounding pool area.

Grilling and swimming are both great fun, but nothing says Fourth of July like fireworks! Check back later this week for tips on having fun and staying safe around fireworks!

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I'm on a boat!

Give me a sail boat, speed boat, water surfing board, white water kayak or water skis and I'm a happy camper... er, floater/paddler. But before you head out on the water for a little summer fun, don't forget these boating safety tips.

1. Have enough life jackets on board, including the kids (and non-swimming pets). They should be in good condition and easy to reach in an emergency.

2. Review and inventory all of your safety gear. Check your mandated and other safety gear (fire extinguishers, GPS, charts, etc.) Also, make sure everyone on the boat knows where everything is and can access it quickly.

3. Make sure your anchor is in good condition. Note: A boat never stops moving, even in an emergency, like a car does. So before you run your boat into the ground and prevent drifting, check your anchor.

4. Get a VHF radio. Your cell won't reach other boaters, anglers or coast guard - the closest potential rescuers. You can purchase a radio for about $100. Just remember, to keep the battery charged.

5. Get your safety seal. The U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary and U.S. Power Squadrons offer free vessel safety checks to help identify potential safety issues. Check it out at safetyseal.net to find one near you or take the "virtual" vessel check.

6. Make a plan. Before you leave home and set your sails, tell someone (who will remain on land) where you are going and the time you expect to be home. If you fail to contact them by a certain time, they can call for help.

Now you can hit the water running... floating! Happy boating!

Credit: http://www.shoppersource.com/articles/2010/06/08/news/060910-boatingsafety.txt

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Simulated Drowning. Never Let it be a Reality.

Drowning is the 2nd leading cause of death among America's children. Don't let this reality happen to you. Take the following tips to heart and have a safe and fun summer season!
4 LIFESAVING STEPS:

Step 1: Wear a Lifejacket: Never go out on a boat, river, stream or other body of water without a US Coast Guard approved lifejacket. Never! For young children, even in a backyard pool, a lifejacket should be used. “Floaties” or “Water Wings” are not good enough. Look for a US Coast Guard approved personal flotation device which will be noted on the product tags.

Step 2: Watch your Children: Never take your eyes off of children in the water, even if it’s only for a minute. Unlike images from the movies or television, children don’t flail and yell for help when they’re in trouble. They fall in the pool and silently sink to the bottom. If your child is suddenly missing from your home, check the pool first.

Step 3: Know CPR: If your children are going to be around water, ensure that you know how to perform CPR in case of an emergency. If a relative or friend is watching your child, be sure they know CPR too.

Step 4: Know how to swim: Enroll your child in a Learn to Swim class today. Contact the city where your family lives and ask for a course schedule, or contact your local American Red Cross office for assistance. Infants to Adults can enroll in Learn to Swim classes.

On top of these 4 Tips, follow Blair's Best Advice to stay safe in and around the water!

For more information, go to www.redcrossdallas.org or contact the Red Cross office nearest you.

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