When it comes to swimming, don’t assume everyone is an expert. Drowning is a serious danger. No matter your age, a lack of knowledge in the water can be deadly. For this reason, today we’ll aim at understanding water competency.
Understanding Water Competency
While this blog tends to stress as much water safety knowledge as possible, we realize this isn’t always possible. That said, everyone will benefit from understanding water competency. Even if you’re not a top-tier swimmer, it is critical that you learn the basics. Here are some pointers:
Drowning is More Common Than Many Realize
Now, on the Pool Safety Blog, we always take time to focus on drowning safety. In fact, each month we dedicate a specific blog post to tracking the ongoing nationwide drowning stats.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, about one in five people who die from drowning are children aged 14 and younger. Furthermore, for every child who dies from drowning, another five receive emergency department care for nonfatal submersion injuries. As you can imagine, we take drowning danger quite seriously.
Basic water competency training can help children and the adults who are watching them to better prepare for activities near and in the water.
Panic is a Killer
One of the biggest dangers we all face in the water is panic. When it comes down to it, people who are good swimmers tend to be in less danger of a drowning incident than those who are untrained. Of course, being a strong swimmer isn’t total protection, but it definitely has its benefits.
Water competency, though not the same thing as being a fully trained, powerful swimmer, can teach you how to avoid panicking if you happen to find yourself in danger in the water.
Learning Basic Water Competency Skills
Taking swimming lessons can be helpful for everyone. In fact, a professional instructor can guide you through the basics of water competency. These will be simple, yet critical skills, like how to control your breathing, how to float, and how to enter and exit the water.
These may seem simple skills, but they can be extremely helpful if you find yourself suddenly struggling in the water. Here is a list of some basic water competency skills that everyone should have:
- First and foremost, learn how to call for help if you find yourself in danger.
- Know your limits. Don’t put yourself in dangerous situations that you cannot handle.
- Only swim in lifeguard-protected waters.
- Never swim alone. Instead, use the buddy system.
- Recognize diving danger. Don’t dive into shallow or unclear water.
- If you’re unsure, enter the water feet first.
- If you’re on a boat, always wear a U.S. Coast Guard approved life jacket.
- Alcohol and swimming don’t mix. Stay sober while in or near the water.
- Learn how to best navigate rip currents and how to safely exit the water at the beach.
- If you are swimming in cold water, be aware of cold water shock and how to avoid it.
These are simple rules. If you’d like to learn more about understanding swimming competence or find swimming lessons in your area, contact the American Red Cross.
