subject: Staying Away From Danger By Following Swimming Guidelines [print this page] Swimming is an exciting sport activity that is well favored by most people. Families build their own swimming pools at home so that they will have the luxury to swim anytime they want specially during summer days. Although swimming is fun and enjoyable, it also poses high risks for accidents. Children are the most common victims in swimming related incidents. According to recent statistics, 9 people drown everyday in the United States. Drowning has been considered as the 2nd leading cause of death among children ages 1 to 14. Non-fatal deaths linked to drowning can result to severe brain damage and in turn can lead to learning disabilities, memory lapses, and loss of motor functioning. These are very alarming and serious. The possible danger of unsafe swimming is real and should be taken into consideration by all.
Public swimming pools and beaches have lifeguards to watch over swimmers but many of the drowning accidents happen at a place where people consider to be the safest place-called home. Based on another study, the most number of drowning accidents occur at residential pools with children ages 1-4 years old as common victims. Seventy-seven percent of the people involved in home related drowning accidents have only been left unnoticed for more or less than five minutes before they were discovered in the pool. One reason for these occurrences is the lack of safety barriers and rails. Many young toddlers fall victims of drowning because they can easily go outside and fall into the pool. Parents who may not be able to watch out for unlock doors or are busy doing something else will feel the consequences of slight neglect. Sometimes, a greater factor may be linked to this kind of accident and this is alcoholism.
Parents and other guardians who are addicted to alcohol will have slower reflexes to respond to emergencies. Alcohol has already depressed the nervous system so bad that it lacks proper focus and attention specially during emergency situations. In most cases, the alcoholic is the victim of drowning incidents. Part of counseling in alcohol rehabilitation centers is to educate patients of the accidents and dangers associated with alcoholism.
Rules in public pools and beaches must be followed to avoid untoward accidents. Based on a study in 2007, the number of deaths related to drowning in public beaches is eighteen with a lifeguard present in the area while eighty-three deaths have occurred without the presence of a lifeguard. Individuals who don't follow signs are usually those who are non-sober swimmers. When accidents happen, these individuals may face the consequences of the law and be placed in a court rehab requirement. These individuals will stay in alcohol rehabilitation centers to help them overcome their alcohol addiction and live a sober life.
