By: Sara Kate A.
Oceans, lakes, and rivers can be great places to make amazing memories with your family. Boating, canoeing, swimming, skiing, and more are all possible in natural bodies of water. However, swimming in natural bodies of water can be more difficult and dangerous than swimming in a pool.
Here at All Knox Swim, we are committed to reducing drownings locally to change statistics nationally. In Knox County, most people drown in natural bodies of water. We have recognized this as a key area to focus on to save lives in our area. Although we do not have any oceans here in Knox County, it is still important to learn about ocean safety so you can be safe on your beach trips!
Here’s what you need to know to keep your outdoor water adventures safe and fun.
Resources:
American Red Cross – Lake and River Swimming Safety | American Red Cross.
Water Safety USA – Life Jackets Save Lives – Water Safety USA
Marine Corps Community Services – Staying Safe on the Water
U.S. Dept. of Agriculture – Water Safety | US Forest Service
The Best Thing You Can Do
Always wear a lifejacket in natural bodies of water. The statistics are astounding. In Knox County, 80% of people who drown in natural bodies don’t wear a lifejacket (TWRA).
Another key place to wear lifejackets is on boat docks. Children may slip away without anyone noticing, so it should be a rule that children should always wear lifejackets when on the boat dock.
We have started two campaigns in Knox County to promote the use of lifejackets. The #JacketUpForLife and #FloatingFamily campaigns. The idea is simple: get more adults to wear life jackets.
In TN, the law currently only requires children under 13 to wear a lifejacket at all times while boating. Adults only have to have a lifejacket on board. The current water safety culture is that adults don’t really need lifejackets, only children.
This means that for years, children see adults not wearing lifejackets. What do they do when they grow up? You guessed it: they don’t wear a lifejacket!
The statistics show that adults that wear a lifejacket are far, far more likely to survive an aquatic emergency.
You can learn more about these campaigns here. We encourage you to sign the pledge to wear lifejackets, regardless of age. Together, we can change water safety culture and the statistics!
Be Aware of Hazards and Weather
It’s important to be attentive to the weather and environmental surroundings at all times while swimming in a natural body of water. Here are some things to be on the lookout for:
- Sudden changes in air or water temperature
- Thunder and lightning
- Exit the water immediately and, if possible, find an enclosed or covered area
- The American Red Cross advises people to stay under shelter and out of the water for 30 minutes after the last thunder clap or lightning strike
- Fast-moving currents, waves, and rapids
- Hazards such as dams, underwater objects, or rocks
- Animals, plants, and fish
- Drop-offs that can suddenly change the depth of the water
- Other people’s activities (boating, skiing, tubing, kayaking, etc.)
- Rip currents in oceans
- Do not swim directly into the rip current. Swim parallel to the beach to get out of the rip current, then swim to shore
- Follow the warning flags at the beach and take appropriate level of caution
Operate Using Safe Behaviors
You’ve probably heard the phrase “never say never”. When it comes to water safety, there are a few things you should never do. Really, we mean it.
- NEVER dive into water with an unknown depth
- Always enter the water feet first
- The American Red Cross advises only diving into water that is clearly marked safe for diving (at least 9 feet deep with no underwater obstacles)
- NEVER swim alone
- Even good swimmers drown
- Swim with others and designate a water watcher who can monitor the safety of others in the water without distraction
- NEVER swim while under the influence of drugs or alcohol
- According to the KCMEO, most people who die in natural bodies of water had a positive alcohol/drug report after death
- NEVER go into a natural body of water without telling someone where you are going
- Tell someone that is not going with the group what your plans are and when you are expected to be back
Know What to Do In a Water Emergency
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- Learn CPR in case of an emergency
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- Carry a first aid kit with you
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- In the case of a life-threatening emergency, call 911 or the local emergency number
Check Equipment
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- If you plan to use any equipment while on the water (boat, jetski, paddleboard, kayak, lifejacket, etc.), check to make sure everything is working properly before use
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- Abide by the rules and regulations of the recreational areas you bring equipment to
Let’s change the statistics!
If we do these things, we can reduce the chance of drownings. Our vision is “A Drowning-Free Knoxville”. This is another contribution from All Knox Swim that we hope and pray will help fulfill our vision. Share this article with your friends and family to help prevent drownings. If you have questions, let us know at drowningfree@allknoxswim.com or call 865-309-4944.
