Drowning: A Summertime Danger

Drowning is a summertime liability, especially for kids. According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention, drowning is the second most common cause of death in children and ranks fifth overall for unintentional injuries in the US. Uninformed bystanders assume that someone who is drowning will draw attention to themselves; however, drowning can be eerily quiet. When children are in water, they tend to make noise. A quiet child, therefore, should be the focus of attention. Here are some signs of what drowning could look like

•  A drowning person’s mouth bobs below the surface, with little time to come up for air 
•   A drowning person won’t speak because breathing is the priority
• When drowning, the arms are pushing down against water, making it hard to wave 
•  Drowning struggles happen in 20-60 second intervals, before going back under

The second form of drowning that is rarely discussed is called dry drowning. People with asthma or breathing problems are more at risk. Dry drowning occurs after a problematic incident where water has been forced into the lungs. Severe cases can result in death within 1 to 24 hours. Here are some signs of what dry drowning could look like:

• Continued coughing for many hours after the water incident
• Trouble breathing or shortness of breath
•   Chest pains
• Extreme fatigue or tiredness
• Paleness of face

Dry drowning can occur when someone has been knocked down by a wave or jumped into the water with their mouth open. If diagnosed early, the treatment involves supplying oxygen to the lungs and jump starting the breathing process.

Effective ways to avoid drowning accidents include teaching proper swim techniques such has holding the nose when jumping into a body of water, the importance of arm and leg coordination, and breathing styles. The most effective way to avoid a drowning accident is to never take your eyes off the kids, especially when they are in water. That also means, no texting while with children near, or in, water.

Excerpt from: msnnews.com

Keep Summertime Professional

Summertime is a very relaxed time of the year. With warm weather plans filling nanny and family schedules, people tend to become more informal. In order to remain orderly during the more “casual” months, try implementing these professional habits into your daily routine:

Keep off hour activities private.

Employers are proactive when researching their employees to gain further insight. This includes Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and YouTube. Check all privacy settings to insure no one has access to private content. Any unprofessional sightings can result in negative consequences.

Be productive during downtime.

When charges are napping, it’s easy for a caregiver to become relaxed and neglect other job duties. When the opportunity for downtime arises, try walking around the house to tidy common areas, prep for upcoming mealtimes, or throw in a load of laundry.

Avoid unnecessary accidents.

Caregiver belongings have become a new danger in the home. Beach bags and pocketbooks contain pill bottles, electronics, sharp grooming items, and harmful chemicals such as sunscreen, nail polish, or makeup. Keep all personal belongings up and out of reach of charges.

Schedule action packed activities.

Research local events and consider creating a weekly calendar for charges. Being outdoors and visiting local attractions help make the most out of the summer months. Try taking a trip to the zoo, aquarium, amusement park, local museum, and maybe a day trip down to the beach.