Water Safety and Swimming Ability

By James PacciorettiEng 352 – Prof. Avery

Motivation

• Certified American Red Cross Lifeguard

• NJIT Swim Team 2005-Present

• Lifeguard at several different facilities including several lakes and pools

Overview

• Potential Risks

• Facts about swimming hazards

• Solutions for water facilities

• Solutions for individuals

Risk Assessment

Potential Risks

• Chemical Exposure

• Temperature

• Currents

• Marine Life

•Lost Children•Choking•Head Injury•Neck/Spine Injury•Drowning

Injury Facts

Of all preschoolers who drown, 70 percent are in the care of one or both parents at the time of the drowning and 75 percent are missing from sight for five minutes or less. - Orange County, CA, Fire Authority

In 2000, there were 3,482 unintentional drownings in the United States, an average of nine people per day. - U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

A swimming pool is 14 times more likely than a motor vehicle to be involved in the death of a child age 4 and under. – OC, CA FA

Solutions for Water Facilities

• Make swim lessons available to anyone

• Discount Rates for members who can swim

• Offer free introductory swim courses

• Enforce parent/guarding watching children

Solutions for Individuals

• Take swim lessons

• Never swim alone

• Know your facility

• Evaluate your situation

Conclusion

• Know risks for your facility

• Assess your own ability

• Talk to the manager about risks and solutions

• Never swim alone