In this final episode of water safety series, hosts Angie and Leigh confront the alarming rise in U.S. drowning deaths revealed by recent CDC data. After decades of decline, over 4,500 people per year died from drowning between 2020-2022 - a tragic 500 more annual deaths compared to 2019. Even more disturbing, the increases were greatest among highest-risk groups like young children, older adults across races/ethnicities, and the Black community.

Underlining the dire need for action, the episode dives deep into how to recognize drowning emergencies and respond safely, while providing a comprehensive blueprint for promoting vital water competency skills within families and communities.

Key takeaways include:

1. Recognizing drowning signs and responding: Identifying someone gasping for air or unable to call for help, using "Reach or Throw, Don't Go" techniques, administering CPR as the CDC notes it can save lives when every second counts.

2. Three pillars of water competency: Understanding risks ("water smarts"), developing essential swimming abilities as defined by the CDC and Red Cross, and learning to safely assist others in the water.

3. Glaring disparities: The CDC found substantial gaps, with over half of Hispanic adults and more than 1 in 3 Black adults never taking swimming lessons - highlighting the need for increased access and affordable options.

4. CDC recommendations: Revitalizing public pools, promoting affordable lessons through community organizations, outreach on barriers facing high-risk groups, hiring diverse aquatic staff, and implementing the National Water Safety Action Plan. 

5. Creating a water-safe culture: Designating sober "water watchers," enforcing CDC-aligned rules like using life jackets, organizing community training events and advocacy efforts to make preparedness the norm.

The episode provides a powerful call to action, underscoring how promoting water competency through education, skills training and community-driven initiatives can significantly reduce drowning tragedies - saving precious lives this summer and beyond.

References:

·       American Red Cross. Water Safety. https://www.redcross.org/get-help/how-to-prepare-for-emergencies/types-of-emergencies/water-safety.html

·      Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Drowning Facts.  https://www.cdc.gov/drowning/facts/index.html

·      Water Safety USA. Become Water Competency.  https://www.watersafetyusa.org/water-competency.html

·      Centers of Disease and Control and Prevention. (2024, May 14).  Drowning Deaths Rise in the United States [Press Release].

https://www.cdc.gov/media/releases/2024/s0514-vs-drowning.html

Additional Resources:

·      Red Cross Swimming and Water Safety  https://www.redcross.org/take-a-class/swimming

·      Water Safety USA  https://www.watersafetyusa.org/

·      Water Safety USA https://www.watersafetyusa.org/water-competency.html#infographic

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