How to swim so as not to drown? WOPR lifeguard prompts

The basic rule is to choose the right bathing area. Ideally, it should be a place we know well, marked and under the supervision of lifeguards. The ideal choice is a swimming pool or a pool with properly marked zones for people with different swimming skills. If we bathe by the sea or a lake, we should also do it in a designated place and under the supervision of a lifeguard. It is unacceptable to swim when we see a clear prohibition on bathing. Avoid dams with a wide arc, heavily overgrown and marshy reservoirs, busy waterways, waterfalls and water dams, swift mountain streams, etc.

In the bathing areas, the possibility of bathing is marked by flags. White means it is safe to swim, red means that you cannot enter the water. The red flag is displayed when there is contamination of the reservoir and in unfavorable weather conditions: in the case of cold water (below 14 degrees Celsius), gusty wind, limited visibility, large waves or exceptionally strong currents. In addition, detailed information about the weather conditions can be found on the boards usually placed at the entrance to the bathing beach.

A jump on the head or legs is one of the most common causes of injuries. – Virtually the only place where you can jump safely with a permit and with the supervision of a lifeguard is the swimming pool, because the bottom is fixed there – says Sławomir Dmoch, water rescue instructor, lifeguard coordinator at Warszawianka Water Park. – Elsewhere, we have a small opportunity to find out what is under the water. And there may be faults, protruding limbs, sharp stones, slushy ground and other conditions that may endanger our health and life. We should also remember to avoid the risk of violent choking while jumping; it is best to cover the mouth and nose at the same time – adds Sławomir Dmoch.

Police statistics alert: 70 percent drowning is caused by intoxication. Young people and men with primary or vocational education, over 50, most often drown after alcohol. Even a small dose of alcohol, especially in the heat, disturbs the orientation in time and space and the ability to assess one’s own skills. Alcohol lowers body temperature, causes breathing difficulties, and increases the risk of muscle spasms. In a crisis situation, the risk of drowning is greater, because a drunk person has a problem with coordination of movements, it is also more difficult to resuscitate him. Similar effects can be caused by taking psychotropic drugs.

Almost every third Pole cannot swim. Most of those who are pretty good in the water learned to swim from family and friends, not from professional courses. Their skills are often limited to one style, not always properly performed (e.g. a frog with the head kept on the surface, or a crawl with splashing waves). They allow you to play in the water, but not to swim several hundred meters in sports without getting out of breath. – Bravado and charging are a common cause of accidents at the bathing beach. – says Sławomir Dmoch. – People swim far from the shores, choose reservoirs too deep and overestimate their abilities. And you can drown in a small amount of water.

Until the age of eight or more, children should bathe with their parents. Stay under their constant supervision until three o’clock (e.g. when viewed from the shore). Children have more delicate organisms, so be careful not to enter the water after intense sunbathing and exercise (this may result in thermal shock and problems with the vascular system), or a heavy meal, which may end in vomiting and choking. Always wear a life jacket when practicing water sports. Inflatable sleeves or a wheel will not be able to keep it afloat.

When we feel we are losing strength while swimming, the worst thing we can do is panic. If we can, turn on our backs, push our hips up, and let the wave travel. Let’s also try to swim to the nearest buoy or rescue hose. While in the water, we should always observe what is happening around us. When we see a swimmer making sudden movements, inform the rescuer immediately. It must be remembered that without the appropriate skills and strength, we may not be able to tow a drowning person by ourselves. In such circumstances, it is better to provide some help, e.g. a broken tree limb, pull up a rope or throw in a lifebuoy. After pulling the drowning person ashore, we assess their consciousness, clear their breathing by placing a hand on the forehead, tilting the head slightly, and possibly take a resuscitation action (alternating 30 compressions and two rescue breaths). If the victim is conscious, put him in the recovery position and cover him with a blanket. We always call a doctor as soon as possible.