Water safety experts urge precautions during National Water Safety Month
BOWLING GREEN, Ky. – May is National Water Safety Month.
As temperatures rise and families head to pools, lakes and rivers, safety experts say water safety should be a priority in every household.
According to the U.S. Coast Guard, about 80% of drowning victims were not wearing life jackets. The remaining cases are often linked to hazards such as rocks, debris or other objects that can trap swimmers underwater.
Brenda Holinde, a water safety instructor and physical therapy technician at Total Fitness Connection and Physical Therapy, says not all flotation devices are safe, especially for children.
“A lot of parents rely on devices like arm floats, and they’re not reliable,” Holinde said. “They can create a false sense of security and actually increase the risk of accidental drowning.”
Holinde says wearing a properly fitted, Coast Guard-approved life jacket before entering the water is one of the most effective safety measures. She also notes that many drownings happen during unexpected entries into the water.
The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends several key safety tips, including:
- Learning to recognize hazards such as obstacles and rip currents
- Avoiding alcohol while swimming
- Never swimming alone
- Assigning a designated water watcher
- Always wearing a properly secured life jacket
Total Fitness Connection offers year-round swim lessons for both children and adults, focusing on breathing control, safety skills and stroke development.
“It’s important that children learn how to handle themselves in the water,” Holinde said. “If something happens, they need to stay calm and know how to float and get to safety.”
Holinde also advises against jumping into the water to rescue someone in distress.
“Call 911 right away,” she said. “If you jump in to help someone who is panicking, they can pull you under with them.”
Instead, she recommends following the “reach or throw, don’t go” method — using an object to help the person from a safe distance.
Safety experts say learning how to swim and following proper safety practices can help prevent drowning incidents and save lives.
For more information on water safety training, visit Total Fitness Connection’s website.
