United States: The knowledge of the difficulties people are facing in having swimming and water safety skills training has made the experts understand the ways of removing those difficulties, thereby decreasing the drowning rates and saving lives, as experts explained.
Drowning, a leading cause of death in toddlers
In a shocking finding, drowning is identified as the major cause of losing life among toddlers of ages from one to four in the US. The recently held research showed in its results report that the cases of drowning were highest in this age group.
Through the use of race and ethnicity, the highest drowning rates were discovered among Black people and American Indian/Alaska Native people, which is what researchers found.
Almost 40 million (15 percent) of the adults do not know how to swim, and more than half (55 percent) have never taken a swimming lesson, researchers highlighted.
Over a third of the Black adults (37 percent) confessed that they can’t swim, while only 15 percent of all adults do. In addition, two in three Black adults (63 percent) and three in four Hispanic adults (72 percent) say they have never had a swimming lesson.
These differences in self-reported swimming ability might be a result of a lack of swim lessons which makes them to learn to swim, researchers said. Such as the swim lessons might be too costly or not afordable in some communities.
Researchers also added that people with a fear of water keep away from learning to swim or have a constant feeling of discomfort in swimwear.
Tessa Clemens, the lead researcher and a health scientist in CDC’s Division of Injury Prevention, stated, “No one should have to lose a loved one to drowning. Improving access to effective prevention strategies, like basic swimming and water safety skills training, can reduce drowning risk,” as US News reported.
CDC cites vital signs
The CDC Vital Signs report advised that communities rebuild or renovate the public pools to increase swimming. It will also help increase access to swimming, as well as provide free swimming and water safety lessons. Employing a diverse aquatic team could still make people feel at ease in the water.
CDC gives recommendations for everyone, which include:
- Acquiring fundamental swimming and water safety knowledge is an essential part of learning to swim.
- Constructing the walls that completely encompass and divide a pool from a house to prevent toddlers from wandering near the water.
- The usage of a life jacket while boat riding.
- Decreasing alcohol intake during swimming, boating, and other water activities is one of the main ways to prevent injuries and stay safe.
- Last but not least is learning CPR skills.