(Omaha) As the days grow longer and the weather heats up, the American Red Cross encourages everyone to prioritize safety while enjoying summer activities like swimming, grilling, and camping.
Emily Holley, Regional Communications Manager for the Nebraska-Iowa Red Cross, says drowning is quick and silent.
Holly’s top tips:
*Prevent unsupervised access to water; always provide constant adult supervision.
*Never swim alone- adults and children alike. Always swim in areas with lifeguards.
*Designate a “water watcher” whose only job is to monitor swimmers until someone else takes over.
*Always wear a life jacket on a boat or if you are in water beyond your ability.
*In an emergency, reach or throw- do not go. Use a long object or a flotation device to help the person in trouble.
Drowning is a leading cause of unintentional injury death in the United States, particularly for children. It’s the number one cause of death for children aged 1-4 and the second leading cause for those aged 5-14. Globally, drowning is also a significant cause of death, especially for children and young people.
