Summer safety teens: Stay safe in the water
By Tucson Medical Center
·
06/21/2023
Teen drownings are three times more likely than children aged 5-9! Teens are second only to toddlers in fatal drowning rates.
Why? We ask Jessica Mitchell, the Safe Kids coordinator for her input.
"Teens are undergoing massive physical and intellectual growth, including the development of impulse control and complex decision-making. That is to say, teens may have not fully developed those intellectual skills and often have a sense of invincibility, and are more likely to take risks. Teens are also more likely to engage in substance use, alcohol or drugs, which is a leading risk factor in drownings among teens. They’re also more likely to be out unsupervised around bodies of water like culverts, arroyos and ditches during monsoon.”
Teens, how you can stay safe
- Whether you’re swimming in a backyard pool or in a lake, children, teens and adults should swim with a partner, never alone.
- When entering water for the first time, always enter feet first so you know the depth of the water and if there are hazards unseen.
- Learn CPR, it’s a skill that can serve you for a lifetime.
- Don’t play or swim by drains or suction outlets.
- If you’re swimming in open water, know it’s different from swimming in a pool. Open water has limited visibility, depth, uneven surfaces, currents and undertow.
- If you’re swimming in open water, stay away from areas where there are boats or people fishing.
Know how to:
- Know basic water rescue techniques, this video has some ideas
- If you are not a strong swimmer, or if you don’t know how to swim, look into lessons
- If you’re boating, on jet skis or other watercraft, always wear a US Coast Guard approved life jacket.
- Don’t have any alcohol or other substances, as it interferes with swimming skills, balance and judgement.
