It’s hot outside, but don’t forget water safety

Aug 30, 2023

By Pleasanton Express Staff | on August 02, 2023

One of the things I love most about Texas is our heat! I know when the temperature soars above 100 degrees I may not have the most popular opinion, but, before coming to Texas I lived in areas where winters were long and cold. Spring and summer are my favorite seasons because of the time we can spend outdoors. With this heat, the natural place to hang out with family and friends is in the water. Swimming pools, lakes, rivers, streams and oceans are wonderful places to beat the heat but also pose a safety risk that many forget about – drowning. According to Stopdrowningnow.org, nearly ten people die from drowning every day in the U.S. Being a competitive swimmer nearly my entire life and a previous swim coach, I was shocked by that staggering statistic. I then realized that many people who enjoy the water around Texas don’t how to swim. Parents who don’t know how to swim lead to children that don’t know how to swim, according to stopdrowningnow.org. Additionally, drowning is the number one cause of death for children 14 and under.

Honestly, the answer is simple – but there is a definite disparity based on many different factors. Financial reasons can limit one’s access to learn-toswim programs and even access to bodies of water, which poses issues to learning. When individuals don’t know how to swim, it is important to stay vigilant, swim near lifeguards and wear life jackets, even as an adult.

Another aspect of water safety is “dry drowning,” which Medical News Today reports is an antiquated term and is now called “post-immersion syndrome.” This is a delayed response of airway spasm after water has been inhaled. The spasming can lead to airway constriction and cut off all oxygen supply. Postimmersion syndrome is so serious that EMS World Online states that anyone who experiences a neardrowning event should be evaluated in an emergency department. Signs of this syndrome include continual coughing wheezing, confusion, or any sign of decreased oxygenation. It’s imperative at this point to seek medical attention by calling 9-1-1 if it occurs.

At Methodist Hospital | Atascosa, we are always here to care for you and your family, but hope that nobody or their loved ones experience this horrific event. Upon completing an internet search, I was easily able to find various locations that provide learn-to-swim programs in the area. Remember, no one is ever too old to learn to swim! DREW SEELMAN, DNP, RN, CEN, is the Chief Nursing Officer at Methodist Hospital

| Atascosa. He holds a Doctorate of Nursing Practice in Executive Nursing Leadership, a Master of Science in Nursing Leadership and Innovation and a Bachelor of Science in Nursing. He has nearly 20 years of experience, spanning nursing leadership, emergency services, trauma, orthopedics and more. Dedicated to the nursing profession and patient safety, Drew is also a member of the American Organization of Nurse Leaders, the South-Central Texas Organization of Nurse Leaders and the Emergency Nurses Association.

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Comment

Name *

Email *

Website

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

Δ