The Independent-News, Volume 122, Number 6, Walkerton, St. Joseph County, 20 June 1996 — Page 9

.|fUF^

TAKE PRECAUTIONS IN THE WATER One-fifth of all accidental deaths among children one to four years old are the result of drowning. These are preventable deaths and there are steps parents can take to ensure their children’s safety throughout the swimming season. Parent ignorance is a factor in many drowning deaths. It’s not that parents don’t care, it’s just that they aren’t aware of all the dangers that water recreation presents to young children. These are controllable risks. Parents need to be consciously aware of any potential dangers. This awareness will make water sports safer for everyone in the family. BEGINNING OF the Season The beginning of the swimming season can be the most dangerous because

SAFETY RULES FOR WATER SKIERS Always wear a Coast Guard approved flotation device. Be sure your equipment is in good condition. Don’t signal towboat driver to start until slack is taken out of towline. Don’t ski near docks, pilings, other boats or swimmers. Never put any part of your body through the handle bridle or wrap towline around you. Never ski in shallow water or where there are underwater obstructions. When a fall is inevitable, try to fall backward or to the side. Learn and use water skier hand signals. When down in the water, lift one ski more than half way out of the water so other boaters can see you.

Water Skier Hand Signals

1. Thumb Up: Speed up the boat. 2. Thumb Down: Slow down the boat. 3. Cut Motor/Stop: Immediately stop boat. Slashing motion over neck (also used by driver or observer). 4. Turn: Turn the boat (also used by

children are out of shape and may have forgotten how to swim. After a few times in the water, these problems are usually alleviated as children remember their lessons and become more confident in the water. Pools are crowded at the beginning of the . pool season, so be particularly aware of where your children are. Don’t let them get lost in the crowd. Water temperatures are usually cooler in the start of the season and colder water saps the strength from muscles faster. Sun burn also plays a factor in early swimming expeditions, so be wary of the sun’s rays and protect children with sunscreen. If you are not using a waterproof sunscreen, reapply sunscreen after the children have come out of the water to ensure protection.

Never ski to the point of exhaustion. Never ski directly in front of another boat. Never water ski at night. Always use equal lengths of rope when skiing doubles. Make sure the boat’s motor is off when a skier is entering the boat from the water or when entering the water from the boat. Always have an observer in the towboat. A rearview mirror also is recommended. For more information abot safe water skiing and the new AWSA Summer Kids’s Water Ski Club for < youngsters of all ages, write to AWSA, Attn. Dept. C, 799 Overlook Dr., Winter Haven, FL 33884 and ask for the free brochure “Safe Guide to Water Skiing” and the “Kids Club Newsletter.”

driver). Circle motion — arms overhead. Then point in desired direction. 5. Return to Dock: Pat on the head. 6. OK: Speed and boat path OK. Or, signals understood. 7. I’m OK: Skier OK after falling.

FUN IN THE

SWIMMING LESSONS Swimming lessors are an important step to ensure water safety for your family. Once a child turns three, parents should start to seriously consider lessons. Individual factors play a role in the necessity factor. How often will the child be around water? Are swimming lessons easily available? Do older siblings go boating or swimming often? It’s up to the parents to assess these factors and — make a decision on when their children should start swimming lessons. WATCHING YOUR CHILD It doesn’t matter how many lifeguards are at a pool or beach. Small children and beginning swimmers are the parents’ responsibility and they should know where their .4' . h * \ f Q * i - .-mfr ****** - ■ w ' — ******^3B^’ — — \ “*/“-»** ;

JUNE 20, 1996 — INDEPENDENT NEWS

children are at all times. Even when children are playing in a small portable pool, without supervision, you are just asking for accidents to happen. FLOTATION DEVICES One thing that increases safety is strap-on flotation devices children can wear until they are proficient swimmers. Although these won’t guarantee children will float face-up, if children fall in they are easier to spot. If nonswimming children are using a flotation device, there should always be an adult in the water with them. Take advantage of this time to teach children some basic swimming skills such as: ♦ How to hold their breath * How to use their arms to pull their body through the water * How to kick on their stomach ♦ How to cope with being splashed ♦ How to put their face in the water * How to kick while on their back REST PERIODS There are physical signs that parents need to watch out for that signal a rest period is needed. Those signs include: * Uncontrolled shivering * Bluish tinge to lips, fingernails and toenails ■ W S ■■ K ■■ iSik -

* Skin that is cold and clammy, goose bumps * Sloppy swimming techniques During a rest period, dry children thoroughly and wrap them in a dry towel. If available, give them a small snack to replenish their energy supply. Twenty minutes is usually the minimum rest time needed to recover. LEARN CPR Even in the most supervised conditions, accidents can happen and parents need to know cardiopulmonary resuscitation and first aid so they can react quickly and effectively. These few precautions will keep children safer and parents more content throughout a summer at the waterfront. That’s Summer $ r /f ’ F V / ki j ¥ V Summer is freedom, Laughter and joy, Small pig-tailed darling, Mischievous boy, Shaded green valleys, Streams running free; Exploring the forest, Climbing a tree. Summer is dreaming, Long lazy days; Far-off horizons, Flower strewn ways; A whole wondrous world All of us own; Distant adventures, Coming back home. A small part of heaven So much delight; Fishin’ and swimmin’ From dawn until night; Hearts that are roaming, Minds bright and free; Eyes that know wonder, That’s summer to me. Garnett Ann Schultz

9