HAZARDS IN SWIMMING

POOL AND HOW TO

AVOID THEM
1. HARMFUL POOL CLEANSING CHEMICALS
We all want to swim in water that has been properly treated with the right
combination of cleansers. However, some of those same cleansers can also pose
health risks. If you can smell chlorine, the pool is over-chlorinated. In addition,
those same pool cleansers can cause harm to younger children if they are stored
improperly. Ensure any chemicals (chlorine or pH down acids) are stored away
from children’s reach and in a cool, dry place.
2. ELECTRICAL EXPOSURE
To ensure a safe pool environment, cleaning mechanisms used are typically electric. All
electrically powered equipment has the potential to introduce stray electrical current into
the pool. Following all of the posted rules and regulations for pool safety either posted by
a pool manager, or your personal pool, is key to remaining safe and avoiding electric
shock. In addition, knowing the signs of electrical exposure is part of prevention against
electrical exposure.
3. RISK OF DROWNING
This is the most obvious of the pool hazards, but just as dangerous and important to be
aware of. For parents of young children, ensuring they are properly supervised or trained
in swimmer’s safety and pool safety is essential. Remember to never swim alone or allow
children to swim alone. Always supervise young children near the pool, even if they know
how to swim. If you want your young children to be able to enjoy the pool, be sure floaties
are properly secured to the child before they enter the pool and that you are close by to
supervise. Never leave children alone near water
4. DIVING BOARDS
Are you a fan of jumping off the diving board and cannon balling into the deep end? If so,
you could be at serious risk of neck, back, or head injury. This is another one of those
swimming pool hazards that is best to avoid. If you’re not an experienced diver, perhaps
think twice before diving head first off the diving board. Take a few precautionary
“practice jumps” to get a feel for your trajectory as well as for the force you’ll be jumping
in at. If you’re nervous, ask someone more experienced for pointers or read up on best
practices for using a diving board.
HAZARDS IN OPEN
WATER
1. LIMITED VISIBILITY
Water in lakes and ponds can be murky, hiding hazards such as rocks, logs and
uneven surfaces. Limited visibility can also make it difficult to see if a child falls
in. If lifeguards are present, ask about the safest area to swim. When entering
unfamiliar water, go in feet first and wade out slowly.
2. DEPTH, DISTANCE AND DROP-OFFS
Unlike a pool, open water rarely has depth markings, making it difficult to know
if kids are getting into water that is over their heads. When swimming in open
water, it can also be hard to perceive distance from the shore. Additionally, while
there may be a gradual slope as you enter the water near shore, there might be a
sudden drop-off further out. When looking for safe place to swim, choose a
designated swimming area and check for signs warning about potential hazards.
3. CURRENTS AND TIDES
Currents in rivers, creeks and streams can be fast-moving and unpredictable. While
some strong currents such as rapids are visible, others can flow under the water’s
surface. In oceans or lakes, waves and rip currents can be dangerous. Families
should avoid swimming at unsupervised beaches or in areas not designated for
swimming. Before allowing kids to swim in open water, make sure they know how
to deal with a crashing wave and escape a rip tide or strong current.
4. WATER TEMPERATURE
Open water is usually colder than water in a pool, which can affect a child’s
swimming ability. What’s more, falling into cold water can result in shock, which
can lead to panic and even drowning. When participating in boating or other
recreational water activities, families should remember to dress for the water
temperature, rather than the air temperature, and to always wear a U.S. Coast
Guard-approved life vest.
5. WEATHER AND SEASONAL DIFFERENCES
Changes in the weather can make open water more hazardous. Heavy rains and flooding can
create strong currents and rapidly change the depth and clarity of water. Families should
also be aware of man-made storm channels and reservoirs that can be empty one minute
and full of water the next. If you are planning an outing that involves open water, check
the weather and water conditions before you leave home and again when you arrive. Stay
alert for changes while you are on site and always stay out of the water if you hear thunder
or see lightning.
 RULES IN
SWIMMING
SWIMMING POOL RULES
1) Always follow the lifeguard’s directions. He/she knows better .

2) Always follow your local pool’s rules.

3) Don’t run over the pool deck, walk instead.

4) Don’t dive without proper supervision by an experienced swimmer or coach.

5) Avoid going to the pool if you have the flu, open wounds or warts.
6. Wear a swim cap over your hair
 First of all, it protects your hair from chlorine and other pool chemicals.

 Second, it avoids those wooly hair aggregates at the bottom of the pool, and it also keeps
the pool’s filters clean..

7. Only wear your swimsuit at the pool. Don’t go to the pool with a suit or shorts you have
worn all day.

8. Don’t enter the pool while being dirty. Always shower off first. The pool is not your bathtub.
RULES IN OPEN WATER

1. Never swim alone.

2. Get comfortable in open water.
3. Know the conditions.
4. Understand currents.
5. Stay calm.
6. Check your surroundings.
7. Take a break.
8. Know your underwater creatures.
9. Have a plan.
10. Choose the right equipment.
11. Relax and have fun.
LIFE SAVING
TECHNIQUES
 1. CPR
If someone has a heart attack, performing CPR can make the difference
between the life and death. When the heart stops during a cardiac arrest,
CPR manually pumps blood and oxygen to the brain and organs to keep
the victim alive until emergency medical help arrives. Proper CPR training
and certification course is the best way to learn this technique, but even
without it you can perform CPR chest compressions. Press on the victim’s
chest at least two inches down, at the rate of two compressions per second,
or 120 compressions per minute. Continue without stopping until
emergency assistance can take over.
 2. AED

In addition to performing CPR during a cardiac arrest, knowing

how to use an AED (automated external defibrillator) is a
critical skill to have. While CPR keeps blood flowing, it does not
restart the heart. To do this, and AED is needed. These devices
are available in public areas like shopping centers and airports.
certification is recommended, however even without formal AED
training the voice automated machine will walk rescuers
through the steps needed to use it on a cardiac arrest victim.
 3.CHECK FOR SIGNS OF LIFE

In any emergency it’s important to know how to check a victim

for signs of life, including breathing and a pulse. First, make
sure the area is safe for you to attend to the victim. Next, kneel
next to them and ask loudly, “Are you ok?” If they do not
respond look for the rise and fall of their chest to indicate
breathing and check their pulse by placing your index and
middle fingers on their inner wrist or on the side of their neck
just under the jaw.
 4. BANDAGE
When a victim is bleeding heavily it’s important to get it under control
right away to prevent further blood loss. If they are available, put gloves on
before assisting the victim. Have them lie down and cover them with a
blanket. Elevate the injured area and use a clean cloth or bandage to cover
the wound and apply continuous pressure for 20 minutes before checking
to see if the bleeding has stopped. If the bleeding has not stopped, apply
pressure to the artery, either inside the arm between the elbow the armpit
arm or upper body injuries, or behind the knee or in the groin for leg
injuries. Apply pressure with one hand while continuing to keep pressure
on the wound with the other hand.
 5. HEIMLICH MANEUVER

Performing the Heimlich maneuver is the recommended

treatment for choking victims. Standing behind them, deliver
five blows to the middle of their back with the heel of your hand.
If that does not dislodge the stuck object, wrap your arms
around their chest, and make a fist between the bottom of their
rib-cage and their navel. Perform five rapid abdominal thrusts,
pulling back and upward on their body as if you were trying to
lift them off the ground.
 6. FIRST AID FOR BURNING

Minor burns should be treated by running cold water on the area

for 10 minutes then lightly applying a cool, moist compress to
the area. Do not apply creams or dressings to the area. Give the
victim Tylenol or Advil if available. Severe burns require
immediate medical attention by calling 911.
 7. SAVE FROM DROWNING
One of the most common causes of accidental death, drowning can happen
even in shallow bodies of water. The phrase “reach, throw, row, go” is used
to remember the technique used to save a person who is drowning:
Reach: Lie flat on the ground and use a branch or oar to extend your reach if
needed.
Throw: If a safety ring is available, toss it to the victim.
Row: Get a boat to reach the victim if needed. Go: As a last resort, swim out to
get the victim. Use a towel or t-shirt to help tow them to shore.
 PERSONAL FLOATING DEVICES

Personal floatation devices, also know as life jackets, life

preservers, and PFDs, come in a variety of shapes and sizes –
they even makelife jackets for dogs! Different PFDs are available
for different types of water-related activities, so understanding
each design’s intended use is extremely important. The Coast
Guard classifies PFDs into five main categories, each with
unique properties and intended uses.
CLASS I PFDS: BIGGER AND MORE BUOYANT

These are also known as offshore life jackets and are designed to keep an
individual afloat and face up for extended periods. They provide 22
pounds of buoyancy, the most of any PFD, and are designed for use in
deep, open waters where an individual may be in the water for a significant
duration before help arrives. Class I lifejackets are more bulky than the
other PFDs, but are the most likely to keep an unconscious person face up
in the water for the longest period of time.
CLASS II PFDS: THE INDUSTRY STANDARD

Class II PFDs, also known as near-shore buoyant vests, are the most
common floatation devices. Also referred to as “classic” life jackets, these are
the type most people are familiar with as they’re found on most recreational
watercraft. They provide 15.5 pounds of buoyancy and may turn an
unconscious person face up. Their use is suggested in calm inland water
where any rescue would be relatively swift. Class II lifejackets come in a wide
variety of shapes and sizes designed for both children and adults.
CLASS III PFDS: FLOATATION AIDS

Also called floatation aids, these PFDs come in a variety of shapes and sizes
and are designed for use in calm, inland waters where rescue will be swift.
Class III PFDs will most likely not turn an unconscious person over. They
come in many different varieties designed for various boating activities.
They provide 15.5 pounds of buoyancy.
CLASS IV PFDS: THROWABLE AIDS

Various throwable flotation devices comprise the Class IV category. These

PFDs do not replace wearable PFDs, but are designed to be used for extra
support or aid someone who was not wearing their lifejacket. Common
types of throwable PFDs include boat cushions, horseshoe buoys, ring
buoys, and others. These devices are only useful if they are kept readily
accessible to be thrown quickly in the event of an emergency. Class IV
PFDs are not designed for children, non-swimmers, or anyone
unconscious.
CLASS V PFDS: SPECIALTY DEVICES

These PFDs are mostly used in occupational

settings. These include deck suits, work vests, and
other specially designed PFDs. Their use in any
type of recreational setting would be highly
unlikely.
INFLATABLE LIFE JACKET

Inflatable life jackets are designed to take up less space and be less bulky
than traditional PFDs. These devices rely on internal chambers that, when
inflated, provide buoyancy. There is a wide variety of Coast Guard-
approved devices that meet the definition of an inflatable flotation device.
Some of the defining characteristics of an inflatable floatation device
include buoyancy levels, inflating mechanism, in-water characteristics, and
more. When deciding to use an inflatable PFD make sure you are familiar
with the manufacturer’s instructions and that the device is the appropriate
size.