06/03/11 With warm weather upon us, the Marshall County Dive Team would like to remind everyone to practice water safety this summer and to be aware of the dangers of water. According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention, with an average of 10 unintentional drowning deaths per day nationally, drowning is the sixth leading cause of unintentional death of people of all ages. We would like you remember the following tips when in, on, and around water:
- Life jackets save lives. 9 out of 10 drowning deaths could have been prevented with the use of a life jacket. Remember, there must be a life jacket present for every person on a boat. Life jackets should be properly fitted and US Coast Guard approved; adult life jackets will not work for children.
- Supervision is key. Children should always be under the supervision of a responsible adult while in and around water. It only takes 20 seconds to drown. It is also important that a lifeguard be present when swimming at beaches.
- Avoid alcohol use when around water. Alcohol affects balance, coordination, and judgment, and its effects are heightened by sun exposure and heat.
- Learn CPR. In the event of an accident, CPR greatly increases the chance of a victims’ survival. For more information on learning CPR, please contact the American Red Cross Marshall County Chapter at (574) 936-3928.
The Marshall County Dive Team has a new Facebook page. Please check us out at: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Marshall-County-Dive-Team/220161524680241
