Secondary Water Safety Lesson Plans - Miami-Dade County …pe.dadeschools.net/pdf/watersafety/SECONDARY WATER SAFETY... · 2019-12-06 · General Water Safety Presentation Length:

Secondary Water Safety

Lesson Plans

Grades 6-12

Miami-Dade County

Public School

Physical Education

Department

Division of Life Skills

Table of Contents

General Water Safety 1

Home Pool Safety 8

Sun Safety 23

Rip Current Safety 31

General Water Safety Presentation Length: Approximately 30 minutes

Key Terms

Buddy: A person who helps another person follow the rules and can summon help in an emergency.

Depth: The distance from the surface of the water to the bottom of the body of water; a measurement taken downward from the surface of the water.

Emergency: A sudden, urgent, usually unforeseen occurrence or occasion requiring immediate action.

Rules: Guidelines for conduct or action that help keep one safe at pools and swimming areas.

Objectives

After completing this presentation, participants will be able to:

Recognize the importance of water safety training.

Describe the links in the Circle of Drowning Prevention.

Describe the steps in the Chain of Drowning Survival.

Describe the elements of water competency.

Explain steps to take to remain safe in, on and around water.

Materials, Equipment and Supplies

Easel pad and markers, chalkboard and chalk or white board and markers

Handouts (one for each participant):

Circle of Drowning Prevention

Chain of Drowning Survival

Secondary American Red Cross Water Safety PowerPoint – located on www.pe.dadeschools.net under Learn to Swim tab

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http://www.pe.dadeschools.net/

http://www.pe.dadeschools.net/

Presentation Outline

Topic Length

Introduction 2 minutes

The Importance of Learning How to Swim and Water Safety Education 15 minutes

Optional Topic: Watching Children Around Water 5 minutes

Water Activities and Safety 10 minutes

Wrap-Up 3 minutes

Approximate Time for Total Presentation 30 minutes

Approximate Time for Total Presentation with Optional Topic 35 minutes

Topic: Introduction

Time: 2 minutes

Activity

Explain that this session will cover general water safety information that will help students and their families stay safe in, on and around water.

Distribute brochures, newsletters or course catalogs that list Red Cross courses offered locally, if available.

Topic: The Importance of Learning How to Swim and Water Safety Education

Time: 15 minutes

Key Points

From weekends at the beach, rides on the family boat and pool parties to just “having the neighborhood kids over to use the pool,” recreational swimming and water activities are tremendously popular and enrich our lives.

Although these activities add great value to our lives, water can potentially be a source of danger.

In the United States, drowning ranks second (behind motor vehicle crashes) as a cause of death from unintentional injury in children ages 1 through 14.

The best thing you can do to enjoy water activities is to participate in swimming and water safety training, such as swim lessons and safety courses that help prepare you to handle an aquatic emergency.

It is the mission of the Red Cross to prevent, prepare for and respond to emergencies. The Red Cross Swimming and Water Safety program helps fulfill that mission by teaching people to be safe in, on and around the water through water safety courses and presentations, such as this one, as well as Learn-to-Swim courses for all ages and different abilities. These courses include Parent and Child Aquatics, Preschool Aquatics, Learn-to-Swim and Adult Swim courses.

To find courses in your area, go to redcross.org/take a class, or contact swimming pools in your area and ask for Red Cross training.


Layers of protection are essential to help prevent drowning. The American Red Cross has established the Circle of Drowning Prevention to help people to remember 5 important points:

Learn swimming and water safety survival skills.

Swim in lifeguarded areas.

Have children, inexperienced swimmers and boaters wear U.S. Coast Guard–approved life jackets.

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Provide close and constant supervision to children who are in or near the water.

Fence pools and spas with adequate barriers to prevent unsupervised access.

Activity

Distribute the handout, Circle of Drowning Prevention, to each student.

Facilitate a discussion about each link in the circle.

General Water Safety Tips

Key Points and Discussion

Whether it is a day at the beach, boating, visiting a waterpark or going to a neighborhood pool party, do not let the good times distract your focus.

Staying safe in, on and around the water is no accident—it takes knowledge and forethought.

There are many tips for water safety that you may already know. In addition to learning to swim, what are some general water safety tips you can think of?

Answer: Responses will vary. Prompt students to include the following:

Swim only in areas supervised by a lifeguard.

Never swim alone.

Read and obey all rules and posted signs.

Only swim in designated areas.

Always wear a life jacket when boating.

It is important to apply general water safety practices whenever you and your family are in, on or around water.

Nobody should ever swim alone. Always swim with a buddy—a person who helps another person follow the rules and who can get help in an emergency.

Have young children or inexperienced swimmers take extra precautions, such as wearing a U.S. Coast Guard–approved life jacket, when around the water.

Designate a responsible individual as the person to watch over children whenever they are in, on or around any body of water, even if a lifeguard is present.

Watch out for the “dangerous too’s”:

Too tired

Too cold

Too far from safety

Too much sun

Too much strenuous activity

Set specific swimming rules for each individual in a family or a group based on swimming ability (for example, inexperienced swimmers should stay in water less than chest deep). Young children should have an adult in the water with them within arm’s reach at all times.

The more informed people are, the more aware they will be of hazards as well as safe practices. Make sure swimmers know about the water environment and any potential hazards, such as:

Deep and shallow areas.

Currents.

Obstructions.

The locations of entry and exit points.

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Identify potential water hazards within the community and make certain that children stay away

from them.

Use a feet first entry when entering the water.

Enter headfirst only when the area is clearly marked for diving and has no obstructions.

Take a boating safety course before operating any watercraft.

Be especially cautious near moving water, cold water and ice.

Know how to prevent, recognize and respond to emergencies.

Be prepared. Aquatic emergencies happen quickly and suddenly. Whenever possible have a telephone or mobile phone nearby.

Activity

Distribute the handout, Chain of Drowning Survival, to each student.

Facilitate a discussion about each link in the chain.

Optional Topic: Watching Children Around Water

Time: 5 minutes


Children between the ages of 1 and 4 years have the highest rate for drowning.

Drowning is a leading cause of death for older children as well.

Anyone watching children who are in, on or around water must understand that drowning happens quickly and suddenly.

What are some tips for watching children around water?


Know each child’s swimming ability and set specific rules for each child based on swimming ability.

Maintain constant supervision, keeping an eye on the children at all times.

Stay within an arm’s reach of any weak or inexperienced swimmer who is in the water.

Do not allow children to swim outdoors during inclement weather conditions, especially prior to and during storms with lightning and high winds.

Empty kiddie pools immediately after use.

Here are some additional tips for watching children around water:

Provide vigilant supervision whenever children are around any source of water (such as pools, rivers, lakes, bathtubs, toilets and even buckets of water) no matter how well the child can swim and no matter how shallow the water. This is also true if you are in boat, on a dock or just near the shore.

If a child is in distress, provide assistance by notifying a lifeguard, if one is available. If no lifeguard is available, provide assistance consistent with your level of training.

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Do not rely on substitutes. The use of water wings, swim rings, inflatable toys and

other items designed for water recreation cannot replace parental supervision, nor should they be counted on as lifesaving devices. These devices can suddenly shift position, lose air or slip out from underneath, leaving the child in a dangerous situation.

Caution children never to hyperventilate (breathe rapidly and deeply) before or during any swimming activity.

◼ Do not allow competitive, repetitive or prolonged underwater swimming or breath-holding.

◼ When a person hyperventilates and then swims underwater, the oxygen level in the blood can drop to a point that is so low the person passes out before the brain signals that it is time to breathe. When the person finally does take a breath instinctively, water rushes in and the drowning process begins.

If there are small children in the home, use safety locks on toilets and keep bathroom doors closed and use doorknob safety covers. Keep toilet lids down.

Empty cleaning buckets immediately after use.

When visiting another home, check the site for potential water hazards and always supervise children.

Teach everyone in the family to swim well by enrolling them in Red Cross Parent and Child Aquatics, Preschool Aquatics, Learn-to-Swim or Adult Swim courses. Do not expect that individuals will learn to swim in one set of lessons, or even in one season. Enroll family members in lessons throughout multiple seasons to ensure that they can swim well and handle themselves in most aquatic situations.

Enroll in a Red Cross water safety course.

Get trained in first aid, cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and automated external defibrillator (AED) use.

To enroll in a Red Cross course, go to redcross.org/take a class, or contact swimming pools in the local area and ask for Red Cross training.

Topic: Water Activities and Safety

Time: 10 minutes


What specific aquatic activities or environments do you enjoy participating in or plan on pursuing or visiting in the near future?

Answer: Responses may include the following:

Home pools

Spas and hot tubs

Pool parties

Waterparks

Lakes and rivers

Oceans

Diving

Boating

Participation in aquatic activities can be a rewarding, lifelong pursuit. To stay safe, it is important to

understand the risks associated with any aquatics activity you pursue.

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Home swimming pools are an attractive feature for many homeowners.

However, if access is not secured, these pools can be a significant threat to the children living in the home and to children living in the surrounding neighborhood.

Homeowners with pools or hot tubs need to take a multi-tiered approach to securing the pool area and minimizing the likelihood that a child will gain unsupervised entry:

Enclose the pool area on all four sides using an appropriate barrier system and then make sure the barrier remains secure. Always make sure gates are latched and keep items away from the barrier (such as lawn furniture) that a child could use to climb up and over into the pool area.

Install pool alarms. These alarms use sensors to detect motion in the water. Underwater pool alarms generally perform better and can be used in conjunction with pool covers. Use remote alarm receivers so that the alarm can be heard inside the house or in other places away from the pool area.

All doors and windows leading to the pool area should have audible alarms.

Even if there are lifeguards present, a responsible adult should always monitor children at recreational pools, beaches and waterparks. In addition to the specific hazards at each of these environments, crowded conditions and strong currents can make these areas dangerous.

Community features, such as canals, ponds, creeks, lakes, drainage basins, reservoirs, wetland areas and shorelines, are hazards that can often be easily accessed. These features represent enticing play areas for adventurous children who may decide to swim on their own or who fall in while playing nearby.

Boating is a rewarding pastime that allows families to spend time together.

In 2012, the Coast Guard counted 4515 recreational boating accidents, which resulted in 651 deaths and 3000 injuries. In most cases, wearing a life jacket can mean the difference between life and death in a boating emergency. In all cases, there is never a substitution for boating safety education and experience.

Leader’s Note: Refer students back to the handouts, Circle of Drowning Prevention and Chain of Drowning Survival. Reinforce the importance of applying each of the links in the circle and the chain.

Topic: Wrap-Up

Time: 3 minutes


Today we learned general water safety tips to help keep you and your family safe in, on and around water. Does anyone have any other questions about any of the topics we covered today?

Remember to go to redcross.org/take a class to enroll in swim lessons; water safety training; and first aid, CPR and AED classes. You can also call swimming pools in your area and be sure to ask for Red Cross training.

Be sure to download the free Red Cross Swim mobile application, as well as other Red Cross apps that provide lifesaving information on topics such as first aid, tornadoes, hurricanes and more. Download American Red Cross apps directly from the iTunes, Google Play or Amazon Marketplace app stores.

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Home Pool Safety Presentation Length: Approximately 30 minutes

Key Terms

Aquatic environment: An environment in which recreational water activities are played or performed.

Emergency action plan: Detailed plans for how everyone should respond in an emergency.

Emergency medical services (EMS) system: A network of community resources and medical personnel that provides emergency medical care to people who are injured or suddenly fall ill.

Lifeguard: A person trained in lifeguarding, first aid, cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and automated external defibrillator (AED) skills who ensures the safety of people at an aquatic facility by preventing and responding to emergencies.

Rules: Guidelines for conduct or action that help keep one safe at pools and swimming areas.

Supervision: The act of overseeing or taking charge.

Objectives After completing this presentation, students will be able to:

⚫ Explain what steps to take to keep their family and guests safe at a home pool.

⚫ Describe the links in the Circle of Drowning Prevention.

⚫ Describe how to secure the pool area.

⚫ Describe the steps in the Chain of Drowning Survival.

⚫ Identify types of emergency equipment that should be available at a home pool.

⚫ Demonstrate how to perform reaching, throwing or wading assists.

⚫ Describe how to make a home pool party as safe as possible.

⚫ Explain how to call for emergency help.


⚫ Water safety equipment:

Water watcher tag (available at http://www.poolsafely.gov/wp-content/uploads/waterwatcher.pdf)

Reaching pole

Ring buoy

Throw bags (3)

Life jacket

Kickboard

⚫ Hula-Hoops or tape to create silhouettes of several people on the floor

⚫ Blanket or mat

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http://www.poolsafely.gov/wp-content/uploads/waterwatcher.pdf

http://www.poolsafely.gov/wp-content/uploads/waterwatcher.pdf

⚫ Handouts (one for each participant):


Safety Barrier Guidelines for Pool, Hot Tub and Spa Owners

Chain of Drowning Survival

Emergency Contact Information

Home Pool Safety Checklist

Leader’s Notes:

Prior to the presentation, prepare an open area that allows demonstrations of reaching and wading assists and demonstration and practice of a throwing assist.

⚫ For reaching and wading assists, place a mat or blanket on the ground.

⚫ For the throwing assist:

Set up targets of three “distressed swimmers.” You may use tape or Hula-Hoops to mark the silhouettes of the victims.

Set the targets at a distance that is about 20 feet away from where you will line up the participants.

Prior to the presentation, prepare three easel pad sheets:

⚫ Sheet 1: Sketch a home pool setting. Be sure that your drawing depicts the safety tips provided in the participant handout, Home Pool Safety Checklist.

⚫ Sheet 2: Write the following words in bold as a template for an invitation. Leave adequate space to allow you to fill in the blanks during the presentation.

You are invited to attend:

Who:

When:

Where:

Sunscreen will be available but feel free to bring your own.

⚫ Sheet 3: Write the following information as if it were on the back side of an invitation.

Special Request

Please review our pool rules with your children before they arrive:

Swimming is permitted only when a designated adult with a “water watcher” tag or a lifeguard is supervising the pool.

Please walk on the deck around the pool.

Diving is not permitted in shallow water.


Topic Length


Home Pool Safety Tips 5 minutes

Layers of Protection 2 minutes

The Chain of Drowning Survival 10 minutes

Pool Parties 4 minutes

Calling for Emergency Help 2 minutes

Wrap-Up 2 minutes


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Leader’s Note: This presentation outline includes time to demonstrate three rescue

skills and practice one rescue skill. You will need to build additional time into the

presentation for each skill added.

Topic: Introduction

Time: 5 minutes

Activity

⚫ Tell students that they are going to learn about home pool safety.

⚫ Explain that this session will cover:

Information and skills they need to know if they own a home pool or have access to a pool, such as in an apartment or condominium complex.

Demonstration and practice of some basic lifesaving techniques that can be used to help someone in trouble in the water.

Safety precautions that students should take when hosting a home pool party.

⚫ Tell students that the Red Cross and the National Swimming Pool Foundation offer an online course, Home Pool Essentials, which provides more detailed information about home pool maintenance and safety. The course is for anyone who owns or regularly visits a home with a pool. To enroll, go to homepoolessentials.org.


⚫ What types of information and skills do you think you need to know if you have a home pool?


How to swim

How to call for emergency help

First aid, CPR and AED skills

Rescue skills

What type of emergency equipment is necessary at a home pool?

How to secure the pool area

How to care for the pool

⚫ If you—and all the members of your family—know how to swim, raise your hand.

⚫ If you have been trained in CPR, raise your hand.

⚫ Swim lessons and training in first aid, CPR and AED are important skills for everyone. Courses in these lifesaving skills as well as other water safety courses that teach you how to respond in an aquatic emergency are offered by the Red Cross. To enroll in a Red Cross course, go to redcross.org/take a class, or contact swimming pools in the local area and ask for Red Cross training.

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Topic: Home Pool Safety Tips

Time: 5 minutes

Key Points

⚫ While home pools create beautiful environments that offer years of fun and activity for families, they can also be a significant threat to children in the home or in the community.

⚫ Most drowning incidents involving children between the ages of 1 and 4 years take place in home swimming pools. Many of these incidents happen very suddenly—about 5 minutes or less after the child goes missing— and while the parents are at home.

⚫ Drowning incidents at home pools are a problem in every state, but in warm weather states where pools are more common, the problem is very serious. In Arizona, California and Florida, drowning is the leading cause of accidental death in and around the home for children under the age of 5.

⚫ Make sure you enforce fundamental safety rules at all times at your home pool, including:

Teaching children not to go near the water without an adult.

Making sure children know the pool area is off-limits without constant, active adult supervision.

An adult providing constant, active supervision for children at all times.

Posting the rules for your pool and enforcing them without exception.

⚫ You should consult the Association of Pool and Spa Professionals (APSP) as well as state law and local building codes for pool dimension guidelines to help you establish rules for your pool to ensure safe diving activities. For example:

Prohibit all dives into shallow water.

Post depth markers and “No Diving” signs as appropriate.

Allow dives only off the end of the diving board.

Do not allow more than one bounce on the end of the diving board. A person could miss the edge or slip off the diving board.

Do not allow running on the diving board or attempts to dive a long way through the air. The water might not be deep enough at the point of entry.

⚫ Now we are going to take a tour of a good example of a home pool and discuss the safety measures that are in place.

Activity

⚫ Show Sheet 1 on the easel pad—the sketch of a home pool area.

⚫ Guide students through the pool area, pointing out the safety measures that are in place:

The pool is completely enclosed with a fence that has a self-closing, self-latching gate.

The fence has vertical bars so that it is not easy to climb.

All doors or gates leading to the pool have secure locks, including patios, outside access gates and garage door entries.

“No Diving” areas are clearly marked.

Pool chemicals are stored in a secure area and locked for safety.

Pool tiles and deck areas are free of sharp areas or broken tiles.

Pool ladders, slides and diving boards are in good condition and free of loose bolts.

Drains have anti-entrapment drain covers.

Pool covers are completely removed prior to pool use and completely secured when in place.

Toys are in good condition and free of broken or sharp edges.

Toys are stored and kept away from and out of the pool when not in use.

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Furniture or toys are not left near a fence that would enable a child to

climb over the fence.

An emergency action plan is present to address potential pool emergencies.

First aid and CPR instructions are posted.

The emergency telephone number for emergency medical services (EMS) is posted by the telephone. A telephone or a fully charged cordless or mobile phone is kept poolside.

Basic lifesaving equipment is located near the pool, and family members know how to use it. A reaching pole, rope and life jackets and a well-stocked first aid kit are available.

Topic: Layers of Protection

Time: 2 minutes

Key Points

⚫ Homeowners with pools or hot tubs need to take a multi-tiered approach to securing the pool area and minimizing the likelihood that a child will gain unsupervised entry:

Enclose the pool area on all four sides using an appropriate barrier system. Pool fence gates should be self-closing and self-latching and should open outward, away from the pool.

Always make sure that the gates are latched, and that the latches are out of the reach of children.

Keep items away from the barrier (such as furniture) that a child could use to climb up and over into the pool area.

Windows and doors leading to the pool area should have locks that are out of the reach of small children.

All windows and doors leading to the pool area should have audible alarms.

Install pool alarms. These alarms use sensors to detect motion in the water. Underwater pool alarms generally perform better and can be used in conjunction with pool covers. Use remote alarm receivers so that the alarm can be heard inside the house or in other places away from the pool area.

Leader’s Note: Distribute a copy of the handout, Circle of Drowning Prevention, to each student.

⚫ Layers of protection are essential to help prevent drowning. The American Red Cross has established the

Circle of Drowning Prevention to help people to remember 5 important points:

Provide close and constant supervision to children who are in or near the water.

Fence pools and spas with adequate barriers to prevent unsupervised access.

Learn swimming and water safety survival skills.

Have children, inexperienced swimmers and boaters wear U.S. Coast Guard–approved life jackets.

Swim in lifeguarded areas.

⚫ Many states have pool fence laws. Check with the local authorities to find out specific owner responsibilities. One more item to check is your homeowner’s insurance policy. As a home pool owner, make sure your homeowner’s insurance policy covers the pool.

Leader’s Note: Distribute a copy of the handout, Safety Barrier Guidelines for Home Pools, Hot Tubs and Spas, to each student.

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Topic: The Chain of Drowning Survival

Time: 10 minutes

Activity

⚫ Distribute a copy of the handout, Chain of Drowning Survival, to each student. Discuss each link in the chain.

⚫ Explain that a link in the chain of survival is to rescue a person in trouble and remove them from the water without putting yourself in danger.

⚫ Explain that you will demonstrate some techniques to help someone in trouble in the water, then they will have the opportunity to practice these techniques.

Reaching Assists

Activity

⚫ Tell participants that if a victim is close enough, a reaching assist can be used to help the person out of the water. You can use a reaching pole, a kickboard, a life jacket, a foam noodle or any object that can extend your reach. Show participants each of these objects.

⚫ Explain that if there is no equipment available to perform a reaching assist, an arm or leg can be reached out to the person.

⚫ Ask for a volunteer to sit or stand on the mat or blanket you have placed and pretend to be the “victim.”

⚫ Demonstrate a reaching assist with equipment and a reaching assist without equipment. As you demonstrate the skills, say each skill component aloud.

Skill Skill Component

Reaching Assist with

Equipment

1. Brace yourself on the pool deck, pier surface or shoreline.

2. Extend the object to the victim.

3. When the victim grasps the object, slowly and carefully pull him or her to safety. Keep your body low and lean back to avoid being pulled into the water.

Reaching Assist without Equipment from the Deck

1. Brace yourself on the pool deck, pier surface or shoreline.

2. Reach with your arm and grasp the victim.

3. Pull the victim to safety.

Reaching Assist without Equipment from a Position in the Water

1. Hold onto a pool ladder, overflow trough (gutter), piling or another secure object with one hand.

2. Extend your free hand or one of your legs to the victim. Do not let go of the secure object or swim out into the water.

3. Pull the victim to safety.

Throwing Assist

Activity

⚫ Tell students that they should use a throwing assist to rescue someone beyond their reach in a pool or open water.

⚫ Explain that to perform a throwing assist, they should throw the victim a buoyant object tied to a line. The victim can then grasp the object and be pulled to safety.

⚫ Tell students that they should make sure that throwing equipment at their pool is prominently displayed and is easily accessible.

⚫ Show students the ring buoy and throw bag. Explain that a ring buoy is a common piece of equipment around swimming pools. Throw bags are also commonly used for water rescue.

⚫ Demonstrate a throwing assist using a throw bag. Explain to students that they will be using throw bags today because they are practicing on land and throw bags are not damaged by repeatedly striking the ground. As you demonstrate the skill, say each skill component aloud.

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Throwing Assist 1. Get into a stride position: the leg opposite your throwing arm is forward.

2. Step on the end of the line with your forward foot.

3. Shout to get the victim’s attention. Make eye contact and say that you are going to throw the object now. Tell the victim to grab it.

4. Bend your knees and throw the object to the victim. Try to throw the object upwind and/or up current, just over the victim’s head, so that the line drops within reach.

5. When the victim has grasped the object or the line, slowly pull him or her to safety. Lean away from the water as you pull.

6. If the object does not reach the victim, quickly pull the line back in and throw it again. Try to keep the line from tangling, but do not waste time trying to coil it. If using a throw bag, partially fill the bag with some water and throw it again.

⚫ Strongly encourage students to practice throwing assists at home using the equipment that they have selected for their pool.

⚫ Tell students that they will now practice this skill.

⚫ Divide the students into three groups.

⚫ Line the groups up about 20 feet from the preplaced targets.

⚫ Let the students try to toss the throw bag at the target. Accuracy is rated by tossing the throw bag over the object so that the rope strikes the target.

⚫ The activity is complete when the participants in each group have had the opportunity to toss the throw bag.

Wading Assist

Activity

⚫ Tell students that if the water is safe and shallow enough (not over the chest), they can wade in to reach the victim.

⚫ Tell students they should not enter the water if there is a current or if the bottom is soft or they do not know the condition of the bottom.

⚫ Explain that, if possible, they should wear a life jacket when attempting a wading assist and take something to extend their reach.

⚫ Ask for a volunteer to sit or stand on the mat or blanket you have placed and pretend to be the “victim.”

⚫ Demonstrate a wading assist. As you demonstrate the skill, say each skill component aloud.


Wading Assist with

Equipment

1. Take a buoyant object, such as a life jacket or kickboard, to extend out to the victim.

2. Wade into the water and extend the object to the victim.

3. When the victim grasps the object, tell him or her to hold onto the object tightly for support and pull him or her to safety.

4. Keep the object between you and the victim to help prevent the victim from clutching at you in a panic.

Topic: Pool Parties

Time: 4 minutes

Key Points

⚫ Homeowners with pools often choose to host pool parties.

⚫ Home pool owners must take certain steps to make the event as safe as possible.

It is always important to emphasize safety when hosting others at your home if you have a pool, but it is especially important when your guests include children.

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Activity

⚫ Tell students that you will now complete a fictitious invitation to a home pool party for a boy and his friends to celebrate his seventh birthday.

Leader’s Note: Show Sheet 2 on the easel pad (fill-in-the-blank invitation). As you fill in the blanks, discuss the importance of the information you are providing to parents of the partygoers.

You are invited to attend: Johnny’s 7th Birthday Pool Party!

⚫ Tell participants that it is important to make sure parents and caretakers of all invited guests are aware that the party is a pool party.

Who: Sally (Mrs. Smith, you are welcome to accompany Sally.)

⚫ Tell students that they should consider extending the offer to parents to accompany their children because some parents might be uncomfortable sending their children to a pool party due to supervision and safety concerns.

When: Saturday, the 6th, from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m.; swimming from 2 p.m. to 3 p.m.

⚫ Tell students that, if it is possible, they should have a lifeguard on duty. Even when a lifeguard is on duty, and especially if a lifeguard is not on duty, hosts should assign responsible adults to be “water watchers” and supervise the pool when it is in use.

Where: 1234 Any Street; Any Town, USA

Sunscreen will be available, but feel free to bring your own.

Leader’s Note: Show Sheet 3 on the easel pad and read it to participants:

Special Request

Please review our pool rules with your children before they arrive:

⚫ Swimming is permitted only when a designated adult with a “water watcher” tag or a lifeguard is supervising the pool.

⚫ Please walk on the deck around the pool.

⚫ Diving is not permitted in shallow water.

Pool Rules


⚫ Home pool owners should have rules for their pool. Be sure that your guests are aware of and follow the rules.

⚫ In addition to having the rules posted, consider writing some of them on the invitation. The children’s parents can help set the safety stage by discussing the rules with their children even before they arrive at your home.

⚫ Be sure to reinforce the rules to all the guests prior to the swimming portion of the party.

⚫ What are some safety rules you would establish during a pool party?

Answer: Responses should include the following:

Prohibiting all dives into shallow water

Walking—no running on the deck

Not permitting glass in the pool area

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⚫ Some additional safety tips to follow whenever hosting guests at your home pool include the following:

Maintain cleanliness of the water. Water should be chemically treated and tested regularly.

Providing Appropriate Supervision

Key Points

⚫ Proper supervision is important whenever people are in, on or around the water and is a critical element of a safe pool party.

⚫ One option is to hire a lifeguard. Contact your local parks and recreation department or local swimming pools to get names of Red Cross–trained lifeguards who are willing to lifeguard at private parties.

⚫ Here are the questions you should ask before you hire a lifeguard to supervise your pool party:

Do you have current American Red Cross Lifeguarding/First Aid/CPR/AED certification (or equivalent)?

Do you have a list of references?

Do you have a job history list?

How much do you charge per hour?

Are there any specific pieces of safety equipment we need to provide for you (rescue tube, ring buoy, reaching pole, backboard with head immobilizer, first aid kit)?

How do you enforce pool rules?

Do you have a list of rules you require while lifeguarding?

Are there any accommodations we need to make for you?

⚫ If you choose not to hire a lifeguard, identify or appoint responsible adults to supervise the pool when it is in use. These individuals or water watchers must understand and accept responsibility for monitoring the pool and should be trained in first aid, CPR and water safety.

⚫ Make sure you review your emergency action plan with the lifeguard and water watchers and answer any questions they may have.

⚫ If the swimming portion of the party goes for more than an hour, set rest breaks. This allows guests the opportunity to rest and warm up, as well as provides a break for the lifeguard or person supervising children in the water.

⚫ A lifeguard or water watcher should be at the pool, even during nonswimming hours of the party. This helps to ensure that nobody enters the water unexpectedly.

Activity

⚫ Pass the sample water watcher tag around so participants can look at it.

⚫ Explain that people who have agreed to supervise the pool can wear a tag like this as a visible symbol of the responsibilities they have accepted, and so that they can easily be identified by others.

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Topic: Calling for Emergency Help

Time: 2 minutes


⚫ It is important that family members and caregivers know how to call for emergency help.

Leader’s Note: Distribute a copy of the handout, Emergency Contact Information, to each participant. Also, refer back to the Chain of Drowning Survival, reminding participants that calling 9-1-1 or the local emergency number is a critical link in the chain.

⚫ You should complete this form and post a copy near each telephone.

⚫ Why is it necessary to have this information in writing and posted near each telephone?


The caller will likely be in a state of anxiety when in a situation of calling for emergency help.

The caller could be someone other than a resident of the home, such as a babysitter or grandparent.

Topic: Wrap-Up

Time: 2 minutes

Key Points

⚫ Today we discussed the information and skills you and your family should know if you own a home pool.

⚫ We talked about home pool safety and layers of protection.

Leader’s Note: Distribute a copy of the handout, Home Pool Safety Checklist, to each participant. Encourage students to take the checklist home and use it to check their pools.

⚫ You watched a demonstration of reaching and wading assists.

⚫ You practiced skills to safely rescue a victim using a throwing assist.

⚫ We discussed safety measures specific to hosting home pool parties and how to call for emergency help.

⚫ Does anyone have any other questions about any of the topics we covered today?

⚫ Remember to go to redcross.org/take a class to enroll in swim lessons; water safety training; and first aid, CPR and AED classes. You can also call swimming pools in your area and be sure to ask for Red Cross training.

⚫ Be sure to download the free Red Cross Swim mobile application, as well as other Red Cross apps that provide lifesaving information on topics such as first aid, tornadoes, hurricanes and more. Download American Red Cross apps directly from the iTunes, Google Play or Amazon Marketplace app stores.

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18

Safety Barrier Guidelines for Home Pools, Hot Tubs and Spas

The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) recommends the following safety barrier guidelines for home pools, hot tubs and spas:

Pool fence gates should be self-closing and self-latching and open outward, away from the pool. The latch should be out of a small child’s reach.

Pool barriers should be at least 4 feet high and enclose the entire pool area. They should not have any features that could be used as a handhold or foothold. Solid barriers should not have any features other than normal construction joinery.

For most fence designs, spacing between vertical members should not exceed 1¾ inches. The opening on chain link fences should not exceed 1¼ inches.

Horizontal fence support structures that are less than 45 inches apart should be on the pool side of the fence. On fences with horizontal support structures that are greater than 45 inches apart, the horizontal support structures can be on either side of the fence.

The space under a pool barrier should not exceed 4 inches.

Any openings in the barrier should not allow a 4-inch sphere to pass through.

Above-ground pools (including inflatable “easy-set”-type pools) should have a barrier mounted on top of the pool structure that encloses the entire pool. Steps or ladders to the pool should be removable or enclosed by a locked barrier, so that the pool surface is inaccessible.

Hot tubs should have a lockable structural barrier that completely encloses the top of the hot tub and will not collapse under the weight of a child.

It is preferable that the house should not form any side of the barrier.

In situations where a house does form one side of the barrier, the doors leading from the house to the pool should be locked and protected with alarms that produce a sound when a door is unexpectedly opened.

Alarms should continuously sound for 30 seconds and begin within 7 seconds of opening the door.

If a child is missing, always look in the pool first. Seconds count in preventing death or disability.

Pool alarms can be used as an added precaution. Underwater pool alarms generally perform better and can be used in conjunction with pool covers. CPSC advises that consumers use remote alarm receivers so that the alarm can be heard inside the house or in other places away from the pool.

The pool area should be properly illuminated.

Local building codes, regulations and statutes for pools and spas differ from state to state. Many states have pool fence laws. Pool and spa owners should check with the local authorities to find out specific building codes and owner responsibilities. The publication Safety Barrier Guidelines for Home Pools (Pub. No. 362), is available at no charge from the CPSC Web site (www.cpsc.gov).

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http://www.cpsc.gov/

http://www.cpsc.gov/

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Emergency Contact Information Sheet Complete this information and photocopy this form. Post one sheet by each telephone in your home and one in the pool area.

Emergency Telephone Number(s)

Police: Fire: Emergency Medical Services:

National Poison Control Center: 1-800-222-1222

Health Department telephone number:

Family Information

Family name:

Street address:

Home telephone number:

Parents’ mobile telephone numbers:

Names of nearest cross streets:

Doctor’s name:

Doctor’s telephone number:

Neighbor’s name:

Neighbor’s telephone number:

Hospital name:

Medical insurance information:

Child’s name and age:



Any special medical conditions, including allergies for each child or adult:

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Home Pool Safety Checklist

Take a few minutes to inspect your home pool for safety. Use the following checklist as a guide to help you make your pool and surrounding area safe.

The pool is completely enclosed with a fence with vertical bars (so that it is not easy to climb) that has a self-closing, self-latching gate.

All doors or gates leading to the pool have secure locks, including patios, outside access gates and garage door entries.

All doors leading to the pool have audible alarms.

“No diving” areas are clearly marked.

Pool chemicals are stored in a secure area and locked for safety.

Pool tiles and deck area are free of sharp areas or broken tiles.

Pool ladders, slides and diving boards are in good condition and free of loose bolts.

Pool covers are completely removed prior to pool use and completely secured when in place.

Toys are in good condition and free of broken or sharp edges.

Toys are stored and kept away from and out of the pool when it is not in use.

Furniture or toys are not left near a fence that would enable a child to climb over the fence.

An emergency action plan is present to address potential pool emergencies.

First aid and CPR instructions are posted.

Emergency telephone number for the EMS system is posted by the telephone. A telephone or a fully charged cordless or mobile phone is kept poolside.

Basic lifesaving equipment is located near the pool, and family members know how to use it. A reaching pole, rope and life jackets and a well-stocked first aid kit are available.

Water is clean, clear and properly maintained. Water should be chemically treated and tested regularly. Contact a local pool store or health department for information and instruction.

All drain covers have anti-entrapment covers.

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Sun Safety Presentation Length: Approximately 30 minutes

Key Terms

Exposure: Condition of being unprotected or uncovered.

Broad-spectrum protection: A property of sunscreen providing protection against both ultraviolet A (UVA) and ultraviolet B (UVB) rays.

Cancer: A group of diseases with one thing in common: the uncontrolled growth of abnormal cells in the body.

Ozone layer: A layer in the lower region of the stratosphere containing ozone (most commonly found 6 to 30 miles above the Earth’s surface), which absorbs some of the ultraviolet radiation from the sun.

Sun protection factor (SPF): The amount of protection from ultraviolet (UV) radiation that a sun protection product will provide.

Sunblock: A topical substance that contains physical or inorganic ingredients that physically block UV rays; used to protect the skin from UV rays.

Sunburn: Inflammation and damage of the skin caused by overexposure to the UV rays from the sun or artificial sources.

Sunscreen: A topical substance that contains chemicals that absorb UV rays; used to protect the skin from UV rays.

Risk factor: Something that increases risk or susceptibility.

Ultraviolet (UV) rays: Rays from the sun and artificial sources that can cause sunburn. These invisible rays are part of the energy that comes from the sun but can also be delivered from artificial sources like tanning beds or sunlamps. Overexposure to UV rays can cause skin cancer, premature aging of the skin and eye damage.

Objectives

After completing this presentation, participants will be able to:

List types of skin damage caused by too much sun.

Explain how sunscreen prevents sunburn and helps prevent skin cancer.

Explain the importance of wearing protective clothing while in the sun.

Describe steps to take to reduce exposure to ultraviolet (UV) rays.

List types of eye damage caused by too much sun.

Name one thing everyone should do to avoid eye damage.

Recognize the importance of being sun safe.



Handout (one for each participant):

The UV Index

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Topic Length


Sun Overexposure 3 minutes

Ultraviolet (UV) Radiation 3 minutes

The UV Index 8 minutes

Staying Sun Safe 12 minutes

Wrap-Up 2 minutes


Topic: Introduction

Time: 2 minutes

Activity

Explain that in this presentation, you are going to discuss general sun safety information that will help them, and their families avoid negative health consequences associated with overexposure to the sun’s harmful rays.

Topic: Sun Overexposure

Time: 3 minutes

Key Points

Everyone enjoys spending time outside on a warm, sunny day, but spending too much time in the sun without taking steps to protect yourself from the sun’s damaging rays is a case of too much of a good thing.

The consequences of overexposure are severe. Too much unprotected exposure to the sun causes sunburn and other skin damage, such as:

Dark patches.

Loss of skin elasticity (sagging skin).

Wrinkles.

Premature aging of skin (skin that looks older than it should).

Skin cancer.

In fact, skin cancer has become the most common type of cancer in the United States. According to the American Academy of Dermatology’s current estimates, one in five Americans will develop skin cancer in their lifetime.

Of the different types of skin cancer, melanoma is the most serious.

Dermatologists think that sunburns suffered in childhood may lead to melanomas later in life.

Non-melanoma skin cancers, including basal cell carcinomas and squamous cell carcinomas, are less deadly than melanomas, but can be disfiguring and cause serious health problems if left untreated.

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Besides sunburn and skin damage, too much exposure

to sun can cause eye damage such as:

Cataracts, a condition that causes cloudy vision.

Skin cancer around the eyes.

Sunburn to the cornea, the clear layer that covers the front of the eye.

Fortunately, everyone can take steps to reduce exposure to the sun’s damaging rays.

Topic: Ultraviolet Radiation

Time: 3 minutes


What is it about the sun that is dangerous to our skin?

Answer: Ultraviolet radiation.

Energy from the sun is called solar radiation. Solar radiation reaches the Earth in a range of wavelengths,

or rays, including ultraviolet (UV), infrared, visible light, gamma ray and X-ray.

There are two types of rays to be concerned about—ultraviolet A (UVA) rays and ultraviolet B (UVB) rays.

UVA rays, also found in tanning salons, can cause premature aging of the skin and contribute to the development of skin cancer.

UVB rays are the burn-producing rays. Overexposure to UVB rays is thought to be the most common cause of skin cancer.

In the past, the ozone layer of the atmosphere offered more protection from dangerous UV rays, but this layer is becoming depleted, permitting greater amounts of UV radiation to reach the Earth’s surface.

Worldwide efforts are being made to stop the production of chemicals that have contributed to thinning of the ozone layer.

The current belief is that that with full compliance with these efforts, the ozone layer can return to normal levels by 2050. Why is sun safety especially important for children growing up during this time frame?

Answer: Responses could include the following:

Children growing up in this time frame will live most of their lives with higher levels of UV radiation, increasing their lifelong exposure.

Severe sunburns during childhood significantly increase the risk for developing skin cancer later in life.

Topic: The UV Index

Time: 8 minutes

Key Points

The amount of UV light reaching the ground in any given place depends on a number of things, such as time of day, time of year, how high a location is (altitude) and how much cloud cover there is.

To help people understand the UV rays in their area, the National Weather Service and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) have developed the UV Index.

The UV Index number gives information about the strength of the UV rays reaching the ground. The higher the number, the higher the chance of sunburn and skin damage.

UV intensity levels are listed on a scale of 0 to 11. On a day with an intensity level of 1, there is a low risk for overexposure; on a day with an intensity level of 11, there is an extreme risk.

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Leader’s Note: Distribute a copy of the handout, The UV Index, to each participant.

The UV Index is issued daily in selected cities across the United States.

You can find the UV Index on the Internet at http://www2.epa.gov/sunwise/uv-index.

Leader’s Note: If you have access to the Internet, go to http://www2.epa.gov/sunwise/uv-index and check the UV index in your city for today. Show participants how to check the UV index.

Where Are UV Rays the Strongest?

UV rays are stronger near the equator, where the sun is most directly overhead.

UV rays are stronger at high altitudes, such as in mountainous areas.

A person can get sunburn while snow skiing on a cold day in the mountains.

Eye damage can also be worse at high altitudes.

The south and southwestern part of the United States is known as the Sunbelt region, which is an area that has long summers and short winters.

Because the summers are long, the UV index is high on more days each year than in the northern states.

Can you tell me which states are in the Sunbelt?

Answer: The following states are in the Sunbelt:

Southern California

Southern tip of Nevada

Arizona

New Mexico

Texas

Oklahoma

Arkansas

Louisiana

Mississippi

Tennessee

Alabama

Georgia

North Carolina

South Carolina

Florida

Hawaii

When Are UV Rays the Strongest?

Key Points

The sun’s angle changes with the seasons. UV rays are strongest in the summer.

The sun’s rays are the strongest between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m.

You should limit exposure to the sun during these hours.

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http://www2.epa.gov/sunwise/uv-index




An easy way to tell how much UV exposure you are getting is

to look for your shadow:

If your shadow is taller than you are (in the early morning and late afternoon), your UV exposure is likely to be lower.

If your shadow is shorter than you are (around midday), you are being exposed to higher levels of UV radiation.

Topic: Staying Sun Safe

Time: 12 minutes

Key Points

Taking steps to reduce exposure to the sun every day is the best defense against skin cancer and the other negative effects of the sun.

One of the most important actions you can take to reduce your risk for health problems as a result of sun overexposure is to use sunscreen or sunblock regularly and properly.

Choose a sunscreen or sunblock labeled “broad-spectrum.” This means it will provide protection against both UVA and UVB rays.

Choose a sunscreen or sunblock with a sun protection factor (SPF) of at least 30.

Apply the recommended amount of sunscreen or sunblock to all exposed skin at least 15 minutes before you go outside, even if it is cloudy out. (It is possible to burn on a cloudy day.)

Be sure to remember commonly missed areas, such as the lips, ears and the tops of the feet.

Reapply sunscreen every 2 hours and after swimming or sweating.

Do not allow your skin to get sunburned—ever.

Avoid tanning beds. UV light from tanning beds causes skin cancer and wrinkling, just as UV rays from the sun do.

Wear protective clothing, such as a long-sleeved shirt, long pants, a wide-brimmed hat and sunglasses, when possible.

Choose sunglasses that offer 99 to100 percent protection against UV rays.

Seek shade when appropriate, remembering that the sun’s UV rays are strongest between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m.

Carefully examine all of your skin once a month and report any changes. Early detection of skin cancer can save your life. Have any new or changing mole evaluated by a health care provider.

Use extra caution near water, snow and sand. Water, snow and sand reflect the damaging rays of the sun, which can increase your chance of sunburn.

Get vitamin D safely through a diet that includes vitamin supplements and foods fortified with vitamin D. Do not seek the sun for your vitamin D.

Plan your outdoor activities in ways that prevent overexposure to the sun. Check the UV Index before you go outside.

Activity

Tell students that it is easy to overlook the many ways we can limit our exposure to the sun.

Explain that the way many of us normally participate in typical recreational or day-to-day activities may in fact increase our exposure to UV rays.

Divide students into groups of two or three.

Give each group two sheets of easel pad paper and markers.

Have each group select one day-to-day activity and one recreational activity that typically take place outside.

Tell the groups to write the names of the activities on the sheets of paper.

Have the groups divide the paper into two columns using the marker.

For each activity, have each group identify common behaviors or ways of participating that do not limit UV exposure in one column and modifications that can be made or new behaviors to reduce the risk in the other column.

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Give groups approximately 5 minutes to complete this task.

Use the examples below to help groups who may have difficulty completing this task.

Have each group share their results.

Example 1

At Work or School

Behavior Sun Safe Behavior

Check the weather. If it is warm, wear a short-sleeved shirt and shorts.

Check the UV Index. If it is high, wear a long-sleeved shirt and pants, if possible.

Eat outside for lunch. Eat lunch inside or in the shade. Put on sunscreen before heading outdoors.

Go for a jog or walk during lunch. Jog or walk after work or school (past 4 p.m.) or before work or school.

Leave the house without a hat or a pair of sunglasses. Wear sunglasses and a hat when in the sun.

Example 2

Golfing

Leader’s Note: It may be necessary to guide students to the appropriate modifications. Conduct a short discussion on each of the behaviors and modifications to ensure that participants can understand and apply the sun safety tips.

Topic: Wrap-Up

Time: 2 minutes


Today we learned the importance of being sun safe and steps you can take to reduce your exposure to UV rays.

Does anyone have any other questions about any of the topics we covered today?



Behavior Sun Safe Behavior

Check the weather. Decide to play if it is warm. Check the UV Index. Decide not to play if it is high.

Make an 11 a.m. tee time. Play early in the morning or late in the afternoon.

Do not wear sunscreen. Put on sunscreen.

Wear shorts and a short-sleeved shirt. Wear long pants and a long-sleeved shirt.

Do not wear sunglasses. Wear sunglasses and a hat.

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UV Index Scale

0 to 2: Low

A UV Index reading of 0 to 2 means low danger from

the sun’s UV rays for the average person.

Wear sunglasses on bright days.

If you burn easily, cover up and use broad spectrum

SPF 30+ sunscreen.

Watch out for bright surfaces, like sand, water and

snow, which reflect UV and increase exposure.

3 to 5: Moderate

A UV Index reading of 3 to 5 means moderate risk of harm

from unprotected sun exposure.

Stay in shade near midday when the sun is

strongest.

If outdoors, wear protective clothing, a wide-brimmed

hat, and UV-blocking sunglasses.

Generously apply broad spectrum SPF 30+

sunscreen every 2 hours, even on cloudy days, and

after swimming or sweating.



6 to 7: High

A UV Index reading of 6 to 7 means high risk of harm from

unprotected sun exposure. Protection against skin and eye

damage is needed.

Reduce time in the sun between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m.

If outdoors, seek shade and wear protective clothing,

a wide-brimmed hat, and UV-blocking sunglasses.






8 to 10: Very High

A UV Index reading of 8 to 10 means very high risk of harm from

unprotected sun exposure. Take extra precautions because

unprotected skin and eyes will be damaged and can burn quickly.

Minimize sun exposure between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m.








11 or more: Extreme

A UV Index reading of 11 or more means extreme risk of harm

from unprotected sun exposure. Take all precautions because

unprotected skin and eyes can burn in minutes.

Try to avoid sun exposure between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m.








Source: United States Environmental Protection Agency

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Rip Current Safety

Presentation Length: Approximately 30 minutes

Acknowledgments

The American Red Cross thanks the following subject matter experts for their contributions to this presentation:

Peter Wernicki, MD

Aquatics Chair, American Red Cross Scientific Advisory Council

Sports Medicine Orthopedic Surgeon

International Lifesaving Federation Medical Committee, Chair

U.S. Lifesaving Association

Medical Advisor

Vero Beach, Florida

Rob Brander

Associate Professor

UNSW Australia

Sydney, NSW, Australia

B. Chris Brewster

President

United States Lifesaving Association

Huntington Beach, California

Peter Davis

Chief

Galveston Island Beach Patrol/Park Board Police Dept

Galveston, Texas

Spencer Rogers

North Carolina Sea Grant

Wilmington, North Carolina

Key Terms

Longshore: The direction parallel to the shore

Drowning: The process of experiencing respiratory impairment from submersion/immersion in liquid

Embayment: A low area on a sandy beach

Estuary: A body of water influenced by ocean tides, such as a bay or the mouth of a river, fed by fresh water and ocean water

Groin: A human-made structure that extends outward into the water from shore; also called a jetty where near a navigation channel

Offshore: (1) Moving away from the shore; (2) at a distance from the shore

Pier: A structure that extends outward into the water from shore that provides a raised pathway over water

Rip current: Narrow, strong currents at surf beaches that move water away from shore

Surf zone: The area where waves break, beginning where the wave crest begins to break to the highest point water reaches on the shore

Objectives

After completing this presentation, students will be able to:

Recognize the dangers posed by rip currents.

Understand some visual cues to identify rip currents.

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Explain steps to take to avoid rip currents.

Describe how to escape rip currents.



Handout (one per participant; download from http://c.ymcdn.com/sites/www.usla.org/resource/resmgr/docs/ ripcurrentsign.pdf):

Break the Grip of the Rip


Topic Length


What Is a Rip Current? 10 minutes

Surf Beach Safety 5 minutes

Surviving a Rip Current 10 minutes

Wrap-Up 3 minutes


Topic: Introduction

Time: 2 minutes

Activity

Explain that in this presentation you are going to discuss some safety information that will help them, and their families recognize and avoid the dangers posed by rip currents and know what to do if caught in one.

Topic: What Is a Rip Current?

Time: 10 minutes


What is a rip current?

Answer: Rip currents are currents at surf beaches that move water away from shore. They exist at any surf beach, including the Great Lakes.

Rip currents are not rip tides. A rip current is not a tidal current. Although tidal currents can be dangerous,

especially tidal currents near inlets, estuaries and bays, they should not be confused with rip currents.

Rip currents result from the complex interaction of wind, waves, currents, structures (such as piers or jetties), water depth and the bottom surface near the shore.

Rip currents can be found on any beach where waves break.

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http://c.ymcdn.com/sites/www.usla.org/resource/resmgr/docs/ripcurrentsign.pdf






This is how the National Weather Service explains the formation of rip currents:

“As waves travel from deep to shallow water, they eventually break near the shoreline.

As waves break, they generate currents that flow in both the offshore (away from the coast) and the longshore directions. Currents flowing away from the coast are called rip currents.”

According to the National Weather Service, common indicators of a rip current include:

An area having a noticeable difference in water color; typically, areas of darker water between sections of breaking waves, often over shallow sandbars.

A channel of churning, choppy water.

A line of foam, seaweed or debris moving steadily away from shore.

A break in the incoming wave pattern.

Large erosional embayments (scallops) along the shoreline.

Be aware that rip currents may still be present, even if none of the indicators are observed.

It can be difficult for most people to recognize the presence of a rip current, and many of the common indicators of a rip current are not always easy to identify. Never assume that if you do not see any of the common rip current indicators that no rip currents are present.

Where are rip currents found?

Answer: Dangerous rip currents can be found on any beach where waves break across a wide area, including the Great Lakes.

Rip currents often occur in deep channels between shallow sandbars. They can reach widths of over

100 feet.

Rip currents can also form against groins, jetties and piers. When swimming, always stay at least 100 feet away from jetties and piers.

Why are rip currents dangerous?

Answer: Strong rip currents can be very fast—much faster than any human can swim—and are capable of pulling a person a significant distance from shore, beyond the breaking waves.

The United States Lifesaving Association estimates that each year more than 100 people die as a result

of rip currents on our nation’s beaches. Rip currents account for more than 80 percent of rescues performed by surf beach lifeguards.

Although rip currents may disperse just past the line of breaking waves, in some cases, rip currents can continue for hundreds of yards offshore.

Dangerous rip currents are always a possibility, even under gentle surf conditions.

The strength and speed of a rip current will likely increase as wave height and the time between waves increases and around low tide.

Do rip currents pull people underwater?

Answer: No. Rip currents move people away from shore. Ocean currents do not pull you down.

People caught in rip currents can become exhausted or panicked trying to swim to shore or keep afloat,

which can lead to drowning, but rip currents themselves do not pull people underwater.

Topic: Surf Beach Safety

Time: 5 minutes Key Points and Discussion

Whether it is in your backyard or at the beach, staying safe in, on and around the water is no accident—it takes knowledge and forethought.

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The best thing you can do improve your safety in, on and

around the water is to learn to swim well and participate in water safety training that helps prepare you to handle an aquatic emergency.

In addition to learning to swim, what other general water safety tips should you follow that can help you stay safe in, on and around the water?


Swim only in areas supervised by a lifeguard.

Always swim with someone; never swim alone.

Read and obey all rules and posted signs and flags as well as lifeguard instructions.

Swim only in areas designated for swimming.

If you are not a good swimmer, don’t go in past ankle depth. Always make sure you have a good footing.

Do not dive in headfirst into the surf.

To stay safe and help keep your family safe at a surf beach, follow these safety tips:

Before you go, find out what the current weather and beach conditions are, the Surf Zone Forecast— which we will discuss more shortly—where lifeguards are on duty, and whether swimming is permitted.

Upon arrival, check with lifeguards to find out the best place to swim and about any unusual issues.

Learn about the current conditions before entering the water.

Designate a responsible individual as the person to watch over children, even if a lifeguard is present.

Have young children or inexperienced swimmers take extra precautions, such as wearing a U.S. Coast Guard–approved life jacket and staying within arm’s reach of the designated “water watcher.” Do not rely on water wings, swim rings, inflatable toys and other water recreation items as a substitute for a U.S. Coast Guard–approved life jacket or proper supervision. These items cannot be counted on to keep you afloat. They can suddenly shift position, lose air or slip away, leaving children and adults offshore without buoyancy.

Watch out for the “dangerous too’s”: too tired, too cold, too far from safety, too much sun and too much strenuous activity.

Set specific swimming rules for each individual in a family or a group based on swimming ability (for example, inexperienced swimmers should stay in shallow water less than chest deep).

Be prepared. Aquatic emergencies happen quickly and suddenly. Whenever possible have a telephone or mobile phone nearby.

Surf Zone Forecast

Key Points

Before heading to the beach, you can check the Surf Zone Forecast, a report issued by many coastal National Weather Service offices. The Surf Zone Forecast includes a daily rip current outlook. To check the Surf Zone Forecast, go to http://www.ripcurrents.noaa.gov/forecasts.shtml.

Remember that the Surf Zone Forecast is a prediction, not a certainty.

When you arrive at the beach, check with lifeguards to find out about rip currents or other potentially dangerous conditions expected for the day.

If you have any doubt, do not go out.

Leader’s Note: If you have access to the Internet, go to http://www.ripcurrents.noaa.gov/forecasts.shtml and show participants how to check the rip current outlook for the coastal area nearest you. You may also show the “rip of the month” at www.scienceofthesurf.com.

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http://www.ripcurrents.noaa.gov/forecasts.shtml




Topic: Surviving a Rip Current

Time: 10 minutes


If you find yourself being pulled away from shore, you are very likely in a rip current.

First of all, relax.

Rip currents can be quite strong, so fighting the current can lead to panic and exhaustion.

Do not swim against the current back to shore.

Try to swim out of the rip by looking for areas of breaking waves and whitewater that are close to you. These are often at a sideways, or parallel, direction to the beach. The goal is to swim across the current, not against the current. Since rip currents can pull away from shore at an angle, swimming across the current may not be possible, but if you escape the current, head back to shore and away from the current at an angle.

If you are unable to swim out of the current, what else can you do?


Float on your back.

Tread water.

Wave your arms and call for help.

Remember that rip currents slow down just past the line of breaking waves. Sometimes they even return people to shallow water in a circular pattern. If you float or tread water, you can swim to shore once you are out of the current.

What should you do if you see someone who is caught in a rip current?

Answer: Reponses should include the following:

Call the lifeguard.

If no lifeguard is available, call 9-1-1.

If possible, throw the person something that floats, such as a life jacket.

Talk to the person and tell them how to escape.

Do not enter the water to help a person who is in trouble unless you are trained to do so. Many people die when attempting to help someone caught in a rip current or otherwise in trouble in the water.

If you ever see someone in trouble in the water, remember the rule, “Reach or throw, don’t go.”

Leader’s Note: Distribute a copy of the handout, Break the Grip of the Rip, to each participant.

Topic: Wrap-Up

Time: 3 minutes

Key Points

Today we learned how to recognize and avoid rip currents and what to do if you are caught in one.

Does anyone have any other questions about any of the topics we covered today?



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http://www.redcross.org/takeclass

http://www.redcross.org/takeclass

Documents

Secondary Water Safety Lesson Plans - Miami-Dade County …pe.dadeschools.net/pdf/watersafety/SECONDARY WATER SAFETY... · 2019-12-06 · General Water Safety Presentation Length: