LESSON 4: WATER SAFETY

Key safety tips for staying safe near water

The following are some key safety tips for staying safe near water:
*Alcohol and swimming do not mix - stay out of the water if you have been drinking.
*Always watch your child while at the beach, lake or other natural bodies of water.
*Never let older children swim in unsupervised areas like quarries, canals or ponds.
*Do not swim near motor boats, jet skis or other power vehicles.
*Never interfere with lifesaving equipment - you might need it yourself.
*Learn to spot and keep away from dangerous water.
*Take safety advice - heed notices which warn you of the danger.
*Children should always visit open water sites with a grown-up.
*Swimming anywhere other than at purpose built and supervised swimming pools is highly dangerous and is not
recommended, unless as part of an organised club.

Swimming Pool Safety

A pool is 14 times more likely than a motor vehicle to be involved in the unintentional death of children aged 4 and under. To
prevent a child drowning in swimming pools, abide by the following:

 Never leave your child alone in or around a swimming pool or a spa

 Keep a telephone, emergency phone numbers and rescue equipment at the poolside
 Teach children water safety habits. Children should not run, push others under water, jump on others, dive or jump in
shallow water or swim during lightning storms or other bad weather
 Teach children how to swim. Enrol children in swimming lessons taught by qualified instructors when your child is
ready, usually after age 3. But keep in mind that lessons don't make your child 'drown-proof'

The Water Safety Code

During the school holidays, and in particular in hot weather, increasing numbers of children put themselves at risk of drowning.
To keep yourself safe, when you are in, on or beside water, always follow the Water Safety Code.
Spot the dangers! Water may look safe, but it can be dangerous. Learn to spot and keep away from dangers. You may swim
well in a warm indoor pool, but that does not mean that you will be able to swim in cold water.
The dangers of water include:
 Hidden currents
 It can be deep
 No lifeguards
 Very cold temperatures
 It is difficult to estimate depth
 Water pollution may make you ill
 It can be difficult to get out (steep slimy banks)
 There may be hidden rubbish like shopping trolleys or broken glass
Types of Swimming Pool Dangers
Hundreds of people - many of them young children - are injured or killed in swimming pool accidents each year.
There are many types of dangers to be aware of, but fortunately there are also many precautions that can virtually eliminate
the risks associated with pools.

Drowning is the most familiar pool danger but it is also the most preventable. Individuals can drown in very short periods of
time, and even near-drowning accidents can result in permanent debilitating injuries. To minimize the risk of
drowning:
a. Install pool safety fences and covers to limit pool access.
b. Arrange swimming lessons for everyone who will use the pool.
c. Always supervise children while the pool is being used.
d. Be aware of the pool depth and follow "no diving" restrictions in shallow pools.
e. Keep lifesaving equipment close to the pool at all times.
f. Stress proper pool behavior and limit horseplay.

Disease - Many types of bacteria can survive quite happily in swimming pools, circulating among different swimmers to spread
illness. To avoid potential diseases:
a. Keep the pool water properly filtered and chemically treated at all times.
b. Refrain from using a pool if you are sick or have an open wound.
c. Do not allow children wearing diapers to use the pool unless they are wearing swim diapers.
d. Keep pets out of the pool.
e. Use a shower or hose to rinse your entire body before and after using the pool.
f. Do not swallow pool water.
g. Avoid swimming pools that appear to have questionable cleanliness standards.

Chemical Exposure - The chemicals used to keep pools clean and safe can be dangerously toxic in high amounts. Chlorine,
for example, can dry and irritate skin as well as aggravate asthma. These chemicals can also kill the body's
naturally beneficial bacteria if water is swallowed, potentially causing digestive problems and lowered immunity. To
avoid the chemical contamination dangers of swimming pools:
a. Keep chemical treatments at the proper level.
b. Do not increase chemical treatments to compensate for a dirty pool.
c. Follow instructions carefully when treating a pool.
d. Keep pool chemicals properly stored and out of reach of children to avoid accidental poisonings.
e. Store chemicals in a cool, dry place to avoid landscape contamination or risk of fire.

Electrical Shock - Both water and chlorine are excellent conductors of electricity, making swimming pools very hazardous in
unsafe electrical conditions. To avoid the risk of electrical shock when using a swimming pool:
a. Do not keep ungrounded electrical equipment - stereos, grills, lawn equipment, etc. - near the pool.
b. Use only ground circuit fault interrupter (GCFI) outlets in the pool area.
c. Stay out of the pool during lightning storms.

Food Problems - A picnic or snacks by the pool is nearly as much of a summer tradition as swimming itself, but food near the
pool risks contamination of the water and other hazards. To avoid problems when food is combined with the pool:
a. Do not drink alcohol when swimming because it can impair the ability to judge distances as well as the physical
coordination necessary to swim.
b. Do not swim for at least 30 minutes after consuming a heavy meal.
c. Do not use glass containers or sharp utensils in the pool area.
d. Keep food out of the pool to avoid overtaxing the filtration system.

Sunburn - Individuals who spend a lot of time at the swimming pool frequently develop golden tans, but at the same time
overexposure to the sun's radiation drastically increases the risks of skin cancer. Furthermore, sunburns can be
painful and can create open sores and blisters that can become infected. To avoid too much sun:
a. Stay in shaded lounging areas when not in the pool.
b. Apply water-resistant sunscreen every two hours while using the pool.
c. Avoid staying in the sun in the late morning and afternoon hours when the sun's rays are strongest.
d. Wear swimsuit covers to limit the amount of exposed skin.
Pool Toys - From water guns and inflatable lounges to buoys and basketball hoops, pool toys offer hours of fun entertainment
for swimmers. There are risks associated with these toys, however, that can add to the swimming pool dangers
that players face. To avoid pool toy problems:
a. Use only toys designed for use in swimming pools.
b. Store toys away from the pool area when not in use.
c. Pool toys, including water wings, are not meant to be used as lifesaving devices and are not substitutes for flotation
devices.

Inflatable Dangers - Small inflatable pools have their own set of risks that parents should be aware of. These pools can
become lopsided and unbalanced, and because many of them are filled from a standard hose they do not
contain the filtered, treated water that standard swimming pools do. Furthermore, inflatable pools can
collapse or blow away in severe weather. To avoid these risks with inflatable pools:
a. Inspect the pool regularly for weak points, tears or punctures.
b. Do not exceed the recommended weight and other use tolerances for the pool.
c. Anchor the pool securely in a flat, stable location to prevent tips.
d. Drain the pool daily to avoid contamination from standing water.

Do's and Don'ts of Swimming

1. Don't leave children unattended/unsupervised around any water source. This includes swimming pools, open
water (ocean, lake, etc.) anything that can hold water up to an inch or more. If the mouth and nose can be covered,
then supervise your child around that water source. If in a large gathering, designate an adult to oversee the
swimming area when children are present. The best way to ensure that no one gets hurt is to keep a close eye on
your children at all times, no matter how old they are.

2. Walk, don't run on the pool deck. Trips and falls happen all of the time and can result in a cut, scrap or a broken
bone if you're not careful. Pool decks can become slippery when water is present, and falling into the pool can
present another challenge for staff and parents around. Carefully walk around the pool deck to avoid any trips or falls.

3. Don't leave pool unsecure or unlocked when not in use. An unlocked gate or pool left open for anyone to get in is
asking for trouble. Always doublecheck locks and gates before closing down a pool whether that's a facility, home
pool or blow up pool in your backyard. Taking that extra step of securing your pool will keep accidents or a death
from happening.

4. Don't forget to stay hydrated. Keep a water bottle filled and close by when doing any sort of physical activity like
swimming. Staying hydrated will help in reducing heat related emergencies such as heat cramps, heat exhaustion,
and heat stroke. This will help keep the body regulated with temperature and keep the body cooled down during
those hot summer days.

5. Don't let the pool get dirty or have unbalanced chemicals. This can result in sickness if not kept up on regularly.
A dirty pool is unsightly and isn't inviting to guests or family members and can also become a hazard as to what is in
the pool when children are trying to swim. Checking the chemicals for chlorine and PH on a daily basis will keep your
guests safe from sickness and your water crystal clear.

6. Don't dive headfirst into a water source. Head and neck injuries can happen at a moment's notice and an
emergency can ensue. Check the pool deck to see if diving is allowed or ask a staff member before attempting to
dive. Even if your child is small always have them enter the water feet first.

7. Don't forget the sunscreen and to reapply every two hours, or when exiting the water for a long period of time. If
you have time at home, apply sunscreen before putting on swim wear; this will allow you to take your time and cover
all of the exposed skin. Plus, when you get to the swimming pool, the kids don't have to wait impatiently to get
in—they can just enjoy the fun right away!
 8. Don't swim alone. When children are still learning, they should always be within arm's reach of an adult - even if
they think they can swim on their own with floatation devices on. Floaties give parents a false sense of security when
it comes to the pool, and they should still be within arm's reach of their child at all times. Along with children, adults
shouldn't swim alone either. Accidents happen and swimming alone is never a good idea. Have a buddy system in
place while swimming so you can keep an eye on each other. Also, who wouldn't want to enjoy the pool with a friend
or family member?!

9. Don't horseplay in the pool. Chicken fights, wrestling moves or any sort of horseplay that could cause a drowning
or restrict the air to the lungs can be dangerous. Everyone wants to have fun but let's stay safe at the same time.

10. If you see something in the pool say something immediately. Parents observing and watching over the water
might not know the difference between a towel at the bottom of the pool or a child at the bottom. Drowning is usually
silent and isn't what you would typically see in movies of someone screaming for help. Always stay vigilant, know
who is swimming and who is out of the pool and if you see anything at the bottom of the pool always let an adult
know so they can inspect and get it out quickly.

Top 10 Water Safety Tips for Families

Water safety encompasses a person's behavior in and around the water. Before taking your kids to the pool, beach or
lakeshore, teach them these 10 basic water safety tips to ensure a safe and pleasant water experience.

1. Never Swim Alone

Swimming should only happen when a lifeguard is on duty. Lifeguards don't just watch the people in the pool, lake or ocean.
Their job is also to watch the water and advise swimmers on any safety concerns and questionable conditions that might
arise. They are also trained to respond quickly when something happens.

In addition to swimming with a lifeguard nearby, a good rule of thumb — for children and adults — is to use the buddy system
while swimming. Instruct your child to always swim with a friend or sibling so they can look out for one another if their parents
aren't physically in the pool with them. Besides being more fun to swim with a friend, this also ensures there is someone who
can go for help if something goes wrong.

2. Supervise Children When They’re in the Water

We understand that parents need to relax too. But when your children are in the water, it's time to be alert. As a general rule of
thumb, a parent should be within arm's reach of a young child at all times. This rule is true whether they're swimming in a pool,
lake, ocean or bathtub. Parents of older children should stay close and keep eyes on their children at all times. Even ones
who are strong swimmers need supervision because they're prone to trying tricks, flips and dives — all things that can be
dangerous in the water.

The best way to remain vigilant when your children are swimming is to put your phone away, and simply enjoy hanging out
with each other! If other adults are present, you can take turns watching the pool, so everyone gets an equal chance to relax.
Working together to protect your children is the best way to prevent an accident.

3. Don’t Play Breath-Holding Games

While swimming, children shouldn’t hold their breath for a long time, as this can cause drowning and has several other severe
risks. Make sure children understand competing to see who can hold their breath underwater, and other similar games, can be
dangerous and should not be part of any water-related activities.

If a swimmer holds their breath too long or hyperventilates before going underwater — meaning they are breathing deeper or
faster — they are at a higher risk of passing out underwater. Children who swim competitively should learn proper breathing
techniques to avoid problems during practices or meets.

4. Always Wear a Life Vest

Young children or inexperienced swimmers should always wear a Coast Guard-certified life jacket around water. There are
plenty of products on the market claiming to help children stay afloat, such as water wings, floaties, pool noodles, etc., but
these are not a substitute for life preservers or lifesaving devices in a genuine emergency. Use these products only when a
parent or trustworthy adult is within arm's length of the child using them.
Also, remember a life jacket or other flotation device should never be an excuse to ignore other water safety guidelines. Life
jackets alone are not enough when it comes to staying safe around water.

5. Don’t Jump in the Water to Save a Friend

If a child sees their friend struggling to keep their head above water, their first instinct may be to jump in to help. However,
doing so could lead to both people drowning. The Y’s Safety Around Water program recommends the “reach, throw, don’t
go” technique, which involves using a long object to pull a struggling swimmer to safety. By using this technique, children can
help their friend without putting themselves at risk.

6. Enter the Water Feet First

Severe injuries can occur when kids jump or dive headfirst into shallow water. Make sure your child understands the proper
way to enter and exit the pool. If they're interested in jumping and diving, make sure to teach them the correct way to do it, as
well as point out the areas where it is safe to do so. If your pool does not have an area designated for diving, do not allow it,
no matter how deep the water.

7. Stay Away From Pool Drains

Children's hair, bathing suits and even limbs have become stuck in broken or faulty drains, which can lead to drowning or
serious injury. Teach children to stay away from these areas in pools, especially if a drain is missing a cover or appears
otherwise broken. If you notice one that seems to be operating incorrectly, report it immediately.

8. Stay Within Designated Swim Areas

Whether you're swimming in a pool, ocean or lake, staying within the designated swim areas is vital to staying safe. Teach
children about ropes and why people use them to divide a pool. Never encourage a child to swim in water deeper than their
abilities will allow, and, especially if you're swimming in a lake or ocean, always follow guidelines local lifeguards have
established. They are familiar with the water and, in the case of lakes and oceans, know enough about how it changes from
day to day to make wise and up-to-date safety recommendations.

9. Avoid Using Alcohol

This advice applies mainly to older children and parents. As children become teens, talking with them about alcohol becomes
more and more essential. Alcohol impairs judgment, coordination and balance. It affects a person's ability to swim well, and it
can even lower body temperature. Images of teens and young adults enjoying alcohol poolside are common on television and
in movies, leaving your real-life teens a dangerous picture to copy, so make sure your teens understand the truth behind
mixing water play with alcohol.

Parents should also use caution. Never consume alcohol while you're supervising your children in the water. Not only can it
cause you to become distracted, but it could leave you unable to function appropriately if an emergency should happen.

10. Learn CPR

While we hope your family will follow all these guidelines and stay safe in the water, the unfortunate truth is that accidents
happen. If a drowning incident or pool-related accident occurs, bystanders are typically the first available to react and respond.
As a parent supervising children, it's critical for you to be familiar with lifesaving techniques, including CPR for children and
adults. Knowing how to perform CPR can be the difference between life and death. Get your CPR certification — and keep it
up to date — through the American Red Cross, your local hospital or other community organizations.

Teach Your Kids to Be Safe in the Water

Sometimes parents listen to these rules and guidelines, internalize them and act on them without ever telling their children
what we're doing and why. Be honest with your child about why they must wear a life vest. Explain why they should never
swim when you aren't with them. Talk to them about the importance of avoiding deep or murky water. By being honest and
upfront with your children, you'll help them apply more of what they've learned as they grow.

Just like you teach your children to look both ways before they cross the street, it's essential to teach your children how to be
safe around water. You can accomplish this by sharing the water safety tips outlined above, but putting them into practice will
cement these concepts and ensure you have prepared your child to swim safely.

Water Safety Devices

Earlier, we mentioned pool noodles, floaties, loungers and inflatable toys aren't a replacement for a Coast
Guard-approved life vest. This statement can often lead to confusion for parents because they mistakenly
believe these items will protect their children in the water.
Inflatable toys, floaters and water wings are teaching aids while children learn to swim. They are best for occasions
when a child is under adequate adult supervision, meaning an adult is within arm's length and able to
intervene if a child begins to struggle. Used correctly, they can help a child build confidence as they
explore the water and learn about both their abilities and limitations.
As a parent, your job is to know the difference and understand the risks of using these items. Unfortunately,
some people assume these flotation devices will save a child if they begin to drown or something else
happens in the pool.
There is no substitute for a life vest. None of the items listed above will keep a child from drowning or save a
child if they begin to struggle in the water.

Swimming Equipment
Here’s a full rundown on the swimming equipment you will need to dominate the pool, as well as our top picks for types of
swimming accessories that work best.
The swim pool can be a daunting place for the beginner swimmer. Beyond the whole technical and speed aspects of
swimming, which will cause you confusion and accomplishment no matter how good you get, there are also
the swimming gear considerations.
What kind of goggles should you wear? What kind of cap should you put on your head? And what about fins, paddles, and the
other myriad of pieces of equipment that you see at the end of the pool deck?

Here’s the essential swim equipment you need in order to crush some laps in style and with speed:
Swimming goggles: two critical reasons why you should always wear goggles in the pool:
First, you need to have a good field of vision so that you can safely navigate around other swimmers and properly judge
the distance between you and the wall. The human eye doesn’t see well underwater. Safety first and all that.
Second, it will protect your eyes from getting red and irritated. While the blotchy redness passes relatively quickly after
you get out of the pool, the reason it happens in the first place is nasty. When chlorine and human waste (sweat, and
uh, other stuff) interact, they create chloramines. This is what typically causes our eyes to get all fired up and
irritated.
Swimming cap - are worn for a few different reasons; keeping your hair out of your face while swimming is one.
The other is to somewhat protect it from the corrosive effects of the chemicals (which you should also
pair with a swimmer’s shampoo as well) that swim pools are laced with. There are also the hydrodynamic
benefits (slight, but helpful further down the road).
And finally, there is the whole keeping your hair on your head thing. While swim pools are cesspools for
anti-social behavior (peeing in the pool, for instance), giant hairballs floating around like meteors in
space are avoidable if more people wore swim caps while in the water.
Training suit - Swimming with board shorts is ridiculous: sure, you might feel more comfortable while walking
around the pool deck, but in the water it will be like swimming with a weight belt around your hips.
There are square-shaped training suits for men that are a little less “Speedoish” than swim briefs.
At the end of the day, it’s about comfort.
If you don’t mind wearing shorts that leave your hips sinking to the bottom of the pool go for it—but once you see how
much speed there is to be had in wearing something a little more hydrodynamic it will be hard to go back.

When picking out a training suit choose one that is made of nylon (they are the most durable of swim
suits), and make sure they are comfortable and give you a free range of motion in your hips and
shoulders.

**Ear Plugs.
For swimmers who need to wear earplugs, this can also fall under the mandatory category. As a lifelong wearer
of earplugs, I know the deal. Wearing them (for some people, at least) is necessary to avoid getting water in the
ear canals, which can lead to infection.
Earaches are my nightmare. They are the worst.
 There are two things you can do to protect yourself against them.
a. First, plug your ears.
b. Second, you can use ear drops for swimmer’s ear if you’ve gotten water in there and want to “dry” it out and
avoid infection.

Now that we have our bases covered, we can get into the fun stuff; things like a pull buoy, kickboard, fins,
paddles and fins. Tools that are designed to help us build more power and speed in the water. Fortunately,
we have created guides for most of these tools which you can browse below.
a. Swim Fins. Wearing fins is a lot of fun. You get to speed things up, usually to a pretty gong-showish level.
You strengthen your legs via the added surface area on the fins, and for a few moments you get to
experience what it’s like to swim above and beyond our usual swimming speed.
b. Swim parka. One of the unique things about swimming is the swim parka! Designed with a thick fleece interior and
water-resistant outer shell, the swim parka is perfect for staying warm in the early mornings and between races in
competition.
c. Nose clip. While most swimmers will snicker at the idea of wearing a nose clip while training or even racing, the
benefits of using one are free-range legit: you will be more buoyant during your breakout, will be able to hold your
breath (duh), and even kick out further on your walls. No, the nose clip isn’t just for the synchro team anymore.
d. Swim Snorkel. One of the more popular pieces of swim equipment on pool decks nowadays is the front-
mounted swim snorkel. Everyone is rocking these bad boys: from elite-level athletes to the once-a-week
rec swimmer, the brightly-colored tubes are a common site in the pool. With good reason—they can
help balance out your stroke, help you avoid excess neck and trap tightness from breathing to one side,
and more.
e. Paddles. Think of them as fins for your hands and shoulders. While the natural instinct is to go for the
biggest ones you can literally get your hands on, there is a balance to be had: you want added surface
area but not so much that your stroke rate plummets and your shoulders get crushed.
f. Kick-board. Teaching tool and performance aid, the kickboard can help you improve your leg fitness,
develop better balance in the water, and mix up your training. It’s also one of the most common pieces
of equipment seen on local pool decks.
g. Pull buoy. Let’s be honest, most of us welcome using a pull buoy. But not generally for the right reasons.
It removes our core from the equation, and doesn’t reinforce proper stroke mechanics if we rely on it
too much. That being said, like all swim equipment, there is a time and a place for it.
h. Tech suits. Racing suits have come a long way over the past twenty years. It used to be that you would buy a nylon
Speedo, and off ya go. Now, there are literally space scientists working in labs trying to combo together the perfect
mixture of compression of water repellant materials to create suits that power ever-faster swimming.Racing suits,
with their compression and water-repelling fabric can help you swim faster on the big stage, but as mentioned, it
comes at a cost.

Swim Gear
Here's some basic swimming gear to think about:
Goggles. Swimming with leaky, uncomfortable, or foggy goggles can be tough on your eyes. Be sure to get a pair
of competition or practice goggles that are comfortable and fit your face. Some swimmers like to have
different goggles for practices and competitions.
Swimsuits. Choose a swimsuit based on what's most important to you. If you want something that will help you
go faster, research brand names and see if they can back up the claims they make. If you want a suit for
practice, choose something made with quality materials that will last.
Swim caps. Most swim caps are made from latex or silicone. As with swimsuits, choose a cap based on your
needs. In general, latex caps are thinner and less expensive, and silicone caps are usually thicker, last longer,
and cost more. If you'll be spending a lot of time in a warm pool, a silicone cap might keep your head too
warm.
Ear plugs and nose clips. Some swimmers like to use these to help keep water out of their ears and noses. Ear
plugs should be specifically designed for use in the water. (Noise-canceling earplugs won't make a watertight
seal.) Nose clips should fit comfortably and stay in place as you swim.
WATER SAFETY SIGNS

Water safety signs to look out for...

There are three main types of water safety signs you will find when you are around water. Each one has its own meaning, but
all of them work to the same system. If you go to the seaside, then there are sometimes special flags to also look out for.

In addition to the water safety signs, you will also find information signs telling you where the toilets are or where you can get
first aid. They will also tell you where the public rescue equipment is held.

Water safety signs

Signs that warn you of danger, are always:

 Triangle shaped
 Yellow background, with black symbols
 They are placed to help you spot a hazard that is not always obvious
They mean that you should be aware of something.

This signs means – Beware – deep water

Signs that mean you should not do something, are always:

 A red ring shape, with a line running through

 White background, red line and black symbols or shapes
 They inform you of things you are not supposed to do
These signs tell you that it would be dangerous to do something, or go in that place.
This sign means: No Diving

Signs that mean you should do something, are always:

 Blue and circle shaped

 White symbols or shapes
 They inform you of things you need to do
These signs tell you that you should do something to be safe.

This sign means: Lifejackets must be worn.

Other signs you might see:

Information signs, are always:

 White background
 Black symbols or text
These signs help you either find something, or get somewhere.

This sign means: Rescue equipment (this way)

Safe condition signs, are always:

 Green background
 White symbols or text
These signs tell you where important safety items are such as the first aid place, or the emergency telephone.

Water safety flags

At beaches there are flags to tell us when and where it is safe to use the water.

This red flag means it is unsafe to be in the water.

WATER RESCUES
Water rescue is any incident that involves the removal of victims from any body of water other than a swimming pool. Floods
are the most common of all natural disasters and gener- ally cause greater mortality than any other natural hazard.
Hazards Associated with Water Rescue
 Human nature: The “need to do something now” can prompt people to make rescue attempts without proper training or
equipment.
 Environmental: Hazards can involve extreme temperatures; cold affects ability to think clearly and hampers fine motor
skills; heat exhaustion and dehydration are a concern as well.
 Weather: Accelerates hypothermia. In still water body heat is lost 25 times faster than in air at the same temperature.
 Aquatic environment: Be aware of animal life, fish, insects, plant life, seaweed, biohazards, bacterial, and viral risks.
 Dive option hazards: These include barotrauma, decompression sickness, nitrogen narcosis, oxygen toxicity, embolism,
fatigue, loss of air, anxiety reactions.
 Ice operation hazards: Cold injuries such as frostbite or hypothermia; thin ice with sudden immersion reflex or entrapment
under ice.
 Swift water operation hazards: Strainers and debris, holes, obstructions above or below the water surface.
Safety of a Rescuer – “Throw, Don’t Go”
Jumping in the water to rescue a victim is the last resort. Avoid getting into a dangerous situation. Your safety is priority.
Water Rescue PPE
Wet suits/dry suits/exposure suits Thermal protection
PFDs include a whistle, knife, strobe light, or light stick worn by all personnel in or near water or on a boat
Lifelines, helmet, gloves
Rescue Plan of Action & Methods
First unit on scene sizes up the situation and determines the number and condition of patients. If rescue is deemed necessary,
consider the need for additional personnel and equipment.
Secure the immediate area to prevent an increase of victims.
Assess hazards, location, and number of victims. Before com- mencing extraction, yell clear and simple instructions to the
victim. Ensure firm footing and remember the victim is in duress and may pull rescuers into the water.
REACH
Step 1: Reach with an outstretched arm, leg, or other tool (long stick/scarf/clothes) from a crouched or lying position.
 DO NOT enter water any deeper than knee deep, unless tethered.
WADE
Step 2: Test the depth with a long stick before wading in and then use the stick to reach out. Hold on to someone else or the
bank.
THROW
Step 3: Throw rope bags, life rings, and floats - anything that will float (this is only effective when the subject is cooperative)
ROW
Step 4: Use a boat if you can use it safely. Do not try to pull the person on board in case they panic and capsize the boat.
Continuously monitor situations that could adversely affect the rescue, such as a rise in water, top loads, suspended loads, or
shifting of rescue vehicle.
Once the victim has been removed to a safe area, medical personnel should be on scene to evaluate and transport to the
hospital if necessary.

Rescue methods
Rescuing a drowning person is the last resort and you should do everything possible to avoid getting into a dangerous
situation in the first place. If you have to make a rescue attempt, think of your own safety first and never put yourself in
danger. If the rescue is too dangerous, wait until the emergency services arrive.

Reach
With a long stick, a scarf, clothes or anything else. Crouch or lie down to avoid being pulled in.

Wade
Test the depth with a long stick before wading in and then use the stick to reach out. Hold on to someone else or the bank.

Throw
A rope is best - you can then pull in the person. Otherwise throw something that will float - a ball, a plastic bottle, a lifebuoy.
This will keep the person afloat until help comes.
 Row
Use a boat if there is one nearby and if you can use it safely. Do not try to pull the person on board in case they panic and
capsize the boat.

Safe Swimming Position

If you get swept away, assume the safe swimming position and navigate with ferry angle. (Image)

Awareness Level Personnel (Resident) may:

 Establish scene controls.
 Establish Incident Command.
 Initiate accountability and safety.
 Evaluate patient condition.
 Activate needed resources.
 Secure and interview witnesses.
 Establish last seen point.
 Identify number of victims, age, and sex of victims.
Sectorization of Rescue Operation
Upstream group: Responsible to watch for and advise of any obstacles and hazards that may hinder the rescue operation.
Downstream group: Prepare to rescue victims and rescu- ers that may be swept downstream. All members in this group
should have a throw rope bag in hand and deploy on both sides to the bank.
River right/left group: Responsible for rigging the opposite end of a rope rescue system.
Rescue group: Responsible for developing an action with command. Once action plan has been developed, rescue group will
execute plan in the safest possible manner.
Medical group: Responsible for providing first aid treatment to victims removed from the water.
Rescue Communications
Whistle Commands
 1 Blast = Stop and look at me
 2 Blasts = Begin the action that we agreed upon or is indicated
 3 Blasts (repetitive) = I need help
Hand Signals
 One arm in air = I need help
 One hand on top of head = I am OK Rope Signals
 1 Tug = OK
 2 Tugs = Advance
 3 Tugs = Take up slack 4 Tugs = Help

Technique for Mechanical Advantage

Vector pull: By attaching one end of the rope to an anchor and the other to the pinned object, the rope can then be pulled near
the mid-point in a sideways direction to exert a much great- er force on the pinned object.
Z drag/pulley system: Theoretical mechanical advantage of 3, giving a 3:1 haul ratio. Requires excess gear, time, and only
pulls the pinned object 1 foot for every 3 feet pulled by the user.
Prusik 1 provides the mechanical advantage.
Prusik 2 can be used to hold the position of the rope.
Prusik knot slides easily along a tight rope but jams solidly upon loading.

Sources:
https://www.emra.org/books/emra-ems-essentials/chapter-14-water-rescue/
https://www.rospa.com/leisure-safety/water/advice/signs.aspx
https://www.cheshirefire.gov.uk/public-safety/campaigns/outdoor-safety/water-safety/swimming-pool-safety
https://www.cheshirefire.gov.uk/public-safety/campaigns/outdoor-safety/water-safety/the-water-safety-code
https://jeffellismanagement.com/blog/2020/dos-and-donts-swimming
https://www.rospa.com/leisure-safety/water/advice/children-young-people
https://www.cheshirefire.gov.uk/home/water-safety-advice