New American Red Cross survey reinforces need for water safety this summer

Nearly 8 in 10 households (78 percent) are planning at least one water-related recreational activity this summer such as swimming, boating and fishing. However, 37 percent described their swimming skills as fair, lacking or nonexistent – including 13 percent unable to swim at all, the Red Cross survey found.

"Learning how to swim and maintaining constant supervision of those in or near the water are crucial elements of water safety," said Dr. Peter Wernicki, chair, Aquatics Subcommittee of the American Red Cross Scientific Advisory Council. "This Memorial Day, as we head into the summer season, we urge families to make water safety a priority."

Sadly, each year drownings occur, yet many could have been prevented:

• One-third of the survey respondents (32 percent) mistakenly believe that having a small child wear a flotation device is safer than providing arm's-reach supervision.
• One in five (20 percent) of adults are unsure what to do if they are caught in a strong current.
• Nearly two in five (38 percent) recalled an experience in which someone in deep water needed help.

The Red Cross recommends designating at least one adult to solely be responsible for watching those in and around the water - even if a lifeguard is present. Adults should be in the water with inexperienced swimmers and remain within arm's reach of them.

This "arm's-reach supervision" is safer than putting water wings or floaties on a small child, as these items are not designed to keep a child's face out of the water and can leak, slip off and provide a false sense of security.

Children should not go near or enter the water without the permission and supervision of an adult. Those who own a home pool should secure it with appropriate barriers and install pool and gate alarms.

If caught in a rip current, people should swim parallel to shore until they are out of the current and they can safely make it to shore. However, 32 percent said they weren't confident that they could actually do it.

Most adults – 80 percent - knew that throwing a rope or something that floats would be the best way to help someone struggling in deep water rather than going in after them.

SOURCE American Red Cross