Not waving but drowning…how to spot someone in distress in water
Posted under parenting, Witterings
An unusual post for me, a kind of Public Service Announcement…but I read an article last week which shocked and disturbed me, and it’s been on my mind ever since. Today MrSpud happened to read the same article and showed it to me. Similarly, it completely overturned everything he thought he knew about what someone who is drowning looks like…exactly as it did to me. He suggested I blog about the article in the spirit of sharing and, as you know, I always do as I’m told….;-)
The full article ‘Drowning doesn’t look like drowning’ by Mario Vittonne can be found here. Please read it. Please please read it because, the chances are, you think you know what a drowning person looks like (shouting, thrashing about, limbs flailing, waving arms etc etc). You’re wrong, totally wrong. Someone who is drowning will most likely be silent, still, not waving, or shouting, or thrashing about. I don’t want to paraphrase the article because I’m not a marine safety expert as Mario Vittonne is. Just read it, it will take 2 minutes and might save a life in the future.
The final paragraph:
“Sometimes the most common indication that someone is drowning is that they don’t look like they’re drowning. They may just look like they are treading water … One way to be sure? Ask them, “Are you alright?” If they can answer at all – they probably are. If they return a blank stare, you may have less than 30 seconds to get to them. And parents – children playing in the water make noise. When they get quiet, you get to them and find out why.”
The whole article perturbed me, mostly because I was appalled at how far away the reality of drowning is from the version I’ve learnt from the movies. It’s distinctly unpleasant to read about they physiological reactions to drowning, and the statistics are chilling. It’s an uncomfortable read, I’ll admit it. But then drowning isn’t exactly a trip to the fair either. Please read it.
I thank you.
x
shudder….. And thank you…
Tee hee – Aren’t I pretty! NOW will the children tidy up their toys?
it’s always been a big fear of mine, the kids have been in the water since babies and it never fails to terrify me. Thanks for this message.. . hugsxxxx
ok ok I’ll read it. Eeek how scary. I’m glad you blogged about it. We’ve had 3 drownings right here at our beaches in Pacifica that I know of this year. CRAZY.
I had no idea that was the case until I read that article, like you said uncomfortable but important to know.
Wow. Did not know that. Sounds terrifying. (duh)
Oh, thank you for posting this. I read something similiar a few years ago that basically said “children drown silently” (*shudder!*) but this explained it much better. It’s terrifying.
I have read it already but this has reminded me that it’s possible my H hasn’t. So I shall duly pass it on, thanks Spuddles x
Terrifying. Anything like this just makes me want to cry since Baby T came along. Like any mummy I just can’t bear the thought of her ever having anything other than a lovely happy time, but I’m pleased I read it. Thanks so much.
I saw this – we’re about to head to the seaside so very timely
Scary how little time it really can take