Drowning is silent. My husband Ross shared a story with me illustrating just how true that statement is. It happened when he was twelve years old (pictured below with his Grandpa).
Ross and his Grandpa circa 1967
A long time ago in a land known as the San Fernando Valley Ross' family were hosting a pool party. About a dozen people in attendance one beautiful sunny summer day.
Many children of all ages and their respective parents were having a great time. Lunch was ready, so everyone exited the pool and gathered around the table.
A stretch of time had passed since the water in the pool was as still as a mountain lake. Just then Norman's Mother noticed that Norman was missing.
Everyone quickly scanned the area and immediately saw Norman (five years old) floating facedown in the pool.
Ross shared with me that it was like time froze and he wondered why no one was responding.
My future husband took immediate action when he realized no one could escape their panic-stricken state. He dove in and pulled Norman's lifeless body out of the pool.
Everyone gathered around, and once they rolled Norman over, he immediately retched.
Norman completely recovered from the incident thank goodness and also thanks to the heroic efforts of young Ross.
To this day, no one knows how Norman ended up facedown in the pool. He didn't have any visible signs. No cuts or bruises.
How does something like this happen with so many sets of eyes around a backyard pool?
Well, the people present aren't paying close attention. Drowning is silent, so it will go unnoticed if no one is actively watching. It's not like in the movies with flailing arms and yelling. No drowning victim has the time, energy or air to call for help.
The best way to make sure that someone is actively watching your child is to designate a water watcher, or you might want to consider hiring a lifeguard.
ABC News did a whole report on the subject. A water watcher is somebody who stands next to the pool, free from distractions and is constantly scanning the water for any signs of distress.
- The water watcher should be rotated every 15 minutes, with a new person taking on the job to avoid losing focus
- Knows CPR or can immediately alert someone nearby with that skill
- Has a working phone to be able to dial 9-1-1
- Has a floating and/or reaching object that can be used in a rescue
- Is alert and not under the influence of drugs or alcohol
Also, inexperienced swimmers should be kept within arm's reach at all times and outfitted with a U.S. Coast Guard-approved life jacket.
I hope you found this helpful. If you have any thoughts on the subject or experiences that you would like to share, I would love to hear from you.
Love the water but fence it in,
Tessa
P.S. Get the FREE water safety app to help ensure your family stays safe in, on and around the water. It includes kid-friendly videos and quizzes. Search the iTunes app store for Swim by American Red Cross or click here. For Google Play you can use the same search parameters or click here. It provides the latest in water safety guidance to help ensure your family stays safe in, on and around the water.
P.P.S. To start your child on the path to becoming water safe, click here.
Want a head start? Get my free course — How to Prepare Your Baby for Swim Lessons (0–8 months).
