First Responders Update

I’m dedicating this month’s article to water safety because of recent events the SIFR have seen on the island. We all can  learn a lot from experiences like these and the takeaways from some of them can hopefully prevent emergencies and save lives.

Summer is here, and everyone wants to be near, in, or on the water. Whether it’s on a boat, a kayak, in a pool, near a lagoon, or water skiing with friends, we all enjoy the serenity and fun summer on the water brings.

Be mindful of the risks and hazards near all bodies of water. If you have a pool party in your backyard,  make sure there is a designated person supervising at all times. Hire a lifeguard if that gives you a better peace of mind. Water toys such as noodles and floats can hinder the view of small children. Try to keep the big floating devices out of a pool with small children even if you’re sitting close by.

The lagoons always are packed with people of all ages who enjoy fishing. If you’re there with your young children,  please pay attention to how close they are to the water’s edge. One step can cause a young child to fall into the water and drown within seconds. You could be turned around for a split second and your child could be gone. Practice water safety even if your child isn’t swimming.

Keep in mind that Georgia law does require all children under the age of 13 wear a USCG-Approved Personal Flotation Device while on board ANY moving vessel. This does NOT include water wings or other devices parents might use on their children before learning how to swim.

If you decide to consume alcohol and take a swim in your private pool, please make sure you have someone with you. With the extreme heat and alcohol consumption, you are more prone to heat stroke and passing out. It’s very easy to have an episode while near or in a pool if you are inebriated. You easily  trip and fall and end up at the bottom of your pool. Having another set of eyes to watch can save your life.

Regarding  our Club pools, pay attention to where your kids are at all times. With or without a lifeguard, your child could drown if no one is supervising. While I was eating dinner at The Deck recently, I saw a young boy wandering around all by himself. He was near the railing by the lagoon, then running up and down the ramp, and heading towards the pool area. As I stood up to go help him find his parent, a woman came over grabbed his arm and said, “I’ve been looking all over for you!” This is a common occurrence out here, and the risks are great. Your child should never be unsupervised near railings, water, or parking lots.

People don’t think their child will drown any more than they think they themselves will drown. It’s always someone else or a story you hear on the news. Please remember these facts as provided by an article from Hackensack Meridian Health, “A person can drown in less than 60 seconds. It has been reported that it only takes 20 seconds for a child to drown and roughly 40 seconds for an adult—and in some cases, it can take as little as a ½ cup of water to enter the lungs for the phenomenon to occur.”

Some studies, such as the one from Healthline,  indicate that, “A person can drown in one milliliter of fluid for every kilogram they weigh. So a person weighing around 140 pounds (63.5 kg) could drown after inhaling only a quarter cup of water. A person can drown on dry land hours after inhaling water in a near-drowning incident.”

Enjoy your summer, and please watch out for one another. If you see something, say something. Saving a life is much more important than having someone angry with you for getting involved. As a parent myself, I would be grateful if someone helped my child in a time of need.

Thank you for your continued support of the Skidaway Island First Responders. Stay safe, stay hydrated, and have a great summer!