Statistics:

USLA (United States Lifesaving Association) estimate that the chance of drowning at a beach protected by lifeguards trained under USLA standards is less than one in 18 million per year.

 

Drowning is the second leading cause of accidental deaths for persons 15-44 years of age.

In the United States rip currents cause approximately 100 drownings per year.

 

2003 - 2007

National Lifesaving Statistics
  Category Total
  Rescues 69,261
  Rip Currents 36,612
  Surf 7,920
  Swift water 315
  Scuba 162
  Drowning deaths (unguarded) 86
  Drowning deaths (guarded)
20

 

USLA Top Ten Safety Tips:
   
1.
Swim near a lifeguard.
2.
Learn to swim.
3.
Never swim alone.
4.
Don’t fight the current,
5.
Swim sober
6.
Leash your board.
7.
Don’t float where you can’t swim.
8.
Life jackets equal boating safety.
9.
Don’t dive head first, protect your neck.
10.
At home, you’re the lifeguard.



 




Drowning Prevention Checklist For Parents


Children should swim only under adult supervision.
Drownings or near drownings occur in familiar surroundings during very short lapses in supervision.
Do not have older siblings watch younger children in the water. They are not trained or mature enough to be given that responsibility.
Do not rely on flotation devices or swimming lessons to protect a child. Children are not waterproof.
Take a CPR course. Know what to do in case of an emergency.

 

 

Rip Current Myth


A rip current is a horizontal current. Rip currents do not pull people under the water–-they pull people away from shore. Drowning deaths occur when people pulled offshore are unable to keep themselves afloat and swim to shore. This may be due to any combination of fear, panic, exhaustion, or lack of swimming skills.


In some regions rip currents are referred to by other, incorrect terms such as rip tides and undertow. We encourage exclusive use of the correct term – rip currents. Use of other terms may confuse people and negatively impact public educatio

 

 

PLEASE FOLLOW SAFETY GUIDELINES.

 

OBEY WARNING FLAGS AND SIGNALS.

 

DO NOT PUT YOUR LIFE AT RISK OR SOMEONE ELSES LIFE AT RISK.