Another Filipino has died from drowning in New Zealand over the weekend right after the honeymoon couple in Maldives. (READ: Filipino Student in New Zealand Drowns)
Did you also know that 78% of children in the Philippines can’t swim and it is one of the leading causes of death. “About eight persons die everyday due to drowning and that more were reported to be victims of near drowning (10 cases per day),” a Philippine report presented at the World Conference on Drowning Prevention (WCDP) 2011 said. Children were found to be more prone to or at risk of drowning.
This is far from unusual globally: according to the International Swimming Association (ISA), one in five children in the world are unable to swim – more than nine million people – despite swimming being the one of most popular participation activities in so many countries. School swimming lessons are not easily found in third world countries. So many Philippine children grow up with a fear of the water. And yet, this country is home to the three of the top five most beautiful islands in the world. Ironic, isn’t it? The ocean is breathtakingly beautiful, not to mention as warm as bath water.
Drowning outranks traditional causes of child mortality (eg, meningitis, septicemia, malnutrition, tuberculosis and pneumonia)
When I feel I am drowning what should I do? (What keeps me afloat in the water?)
If you weren't one of the lucky ones whose parents taught you how to swim or enrolled you into a swimming lesson program when you were younger, you are in a disadvantage, however, you can still learn to swim, so it is by far not a lost cause. There is never too late to start, so feel free to dig into our Novice swim lessons and go out there and get into your closest body of water and get wet.
The most common question, I get from folks that are just starting to get used to water and the feel of your body in the water, is "What should I do when I feel like I am drowning?".
FIRST: Don't Panic, RELAX!
The first thing, everyone says to that is "don't panic".
Well, this is easy said, but much more difficult to do when you are already in a state of tension when you are in the water. However, by practicing a few simple swimming techniques over and over, you will become more comfortable in the water, therefore more relaxed and furthermore a bit more confident that panic will not set in if you happen to find yourself in a situation in which you feel like you have no more energy to stay afloat.
• REMEMBER
The human body is naturally buoyant if the lungs are filled with air. What I mean by that is that if you take a deep breath of air, you will not sink :).
Simple right? Yes, it is, until you have to take another breath which causes you to exhale the air that kept you buoyant and this moment of short sinking time could cause the panic and drowning if it ends in the worst case scenario. So, first thing to remember is that you will float if you keep breathing in air, so in a way, there is no reason to panic since we all breath many many times a day on a regular basis.
SECOND: Float on your Back
Second, the best way to take an air in the water is when you are on your back. If you are on your front, face in the water, it is much more difficult to raise your head and take the needed breath. Of course, it is possible.
If you are on your front, make sure to take a breath to the side and not to the front. However, this is a skill you will learn later in your learn to swim endeavors. So, if you feel like you are out of breath and you start to panic that you will drown, just flip your body on your back, in the very same way you are when you sleep. Just lay your head back on the pillow (water) and relax.
It is very important, when you are on your back that you keep your head tilted a bit backwards, so your eyes are looking at the ceiling of the pool or the sky if you are outside. This head position will cause your legs to float to the surface or at least rise a little, so you are not vertically in the water. Then you are free to take as many breaths as you can, because your mouth is out of the water and it does not need to go back in. If you have troubles with sinking legs, you might want to try shinfin™ leg fins which do wonders with the sinking leg problem.
THIRD: Breathe normally
Third, so now you know that you will automatically float when you have air in your lungs, you also know that if you are on your back, you can get air in your lungs and you can relax, but one question remains, how big of a breath should I take to stay afloat.
Well, let's think about it in a more detail. If you take a very deep breath, you will float very nicely, but when you exhale, you will also sink much deeper in the water, because the difference of the air in and out is very large and it will take you longer to exhale and inhale again. The best practice is to inhale just enough breath to keep yourself afloat, hold for a few seconds and then exhale again. There is no reason to keep holding the breath for a long time can cause you to make you feel like you are out of breath more.
If you keep breathing normally as you do during your regular day as a dry land walker, you will be just fine.
OTHER TIPS
Know the Water
- Avoid swimming or boating in high running water. Check water conditions.
- Check how cold or fast the water is running before you jump in.
- Respond quickly if someone appears to be in trouble. Your friend may really be in trouble.
- Never dive or jump into unfamiliar or shallow water. Check for submerged objects and make sure the water is at least 10 to 12 feet deep.
Know Your Limits
Swimming in lakes, rivers & sea is harder than swimming in a pool. Drowning most often happens when someone gets too tired to make it back to shore. Friends who are there are tired too and can't help.
- If you don't know how to swim well, find someone to teach you. Learn to float and tread water too. Call your local pool and ask if they have classes for young adults.
- If you are tired, rest and stay out of the water.
- Never use alcohol or drugs while you're swimming, diving or in a boat. Alcohol's effects are heightened by the weather, water and boat movement.
- Learn what to do for a water rescue or when someone stops breathing. Learn CPR.
Wear a Life Jacket
No matter how good a swimmer you are, it is easy to misjudge the water or your skills. Weather and water conditions change quickly. Once you get tired or fall in, it may be too late to put on a life jacket. Life jackets are sold in stylish designs, and they aren't as bulky as they used to be.
- Wear a life jacket when you're boating, innertubing or rafting. Boat owners are required by law to carry life jackets in their boats. Wear one even if you can swim.
- Wear a life jacket if you are swimming in a lake or river where there are no lifeguards.
That said, if you are just starting out with swimming, don't be alarmed and afraid. Swimming is a wonderful sport, but as it is with everything in life, the correct precautions should be taken before attempting something you are not familiar with. Be it swimming lessons, floating device, good health etc. Since you are reading this blog and you got this far, you are already on your way to an enjoyable swimming experience. :)
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