Every year over 8,000 drownings take place across the United States. Of those unintentional drownings, 3,960 were fatal, averaging 11 deaths a day.1
Drowning is the process of experiencing respiratory impairment from submersion or immersion in liquid.
The results of drownings are typically:
Organizations with water facilities such as pools, lakes or other activities have a duty to care for the safety of all swimmers and participants. The safety of all swimmers and participants should be independent of the size facility and provide a high level of care. Water safety can be implemented in layers and can be applied in multiple ways, such as:
The following information provides important considerations for water facilities along with tools that your organization can utilize within an existing aquatic safety program.
1According to the Centers for Disease Control.
It’s important to properly inspect your aquatics facility and reorient lifeguards so that they are prepared for the season. Use our pool opening checklist to help get your facility back up and running safely.
Life jackets help decrease the risk of drowning and other water casualties. Learn more about how your organization’s need for life jackets can depend on the type of operations you conduct.
Hot tubs, pools and other swimming areas have different risks associated with them. Having clear signage posted and visible in appropriate locations can help prevent accidents, injury or even death.
Commercial water inflatables and lake-based swimming pose a possible drowning risk. These tips can help you take corrective action right away.
Lifeguards are the first line of defense in protecting swimmers. They should be trained and certified by a reputable organization to ensure their ability to rescue swimmers.
Pool chemicals are needed to treat your pool water and create a safe environment to swim. However, if not handled cautiously, your employees or facility could be at risk. Help prevent chemical mishaps by following these guidelines.
Taking the time to administer swim tests and implement a swim band system can help create a safe environment for swimmers of all ages and experience levels.
Lightning can be random and unpredictable. Whether your facility is indoors or outdoors, your organization should have swimming safety procedures in place when lightning strikes are nearby.
Scanning drills make certain your staff understands how to recognize a swimmer in danger. Learn how conducting a drop drill can help ensure your lifeguards are prepared to take action if needed.
At Great American, not only do we take loss control seriously, we try to make it easier for our customers to operate in a safer environment. From thermal imaging, various training sessions, and educational information such as our Safety Topics, we provide specialized services to reduce loss potential, loss costs, and control unsafe acts and conditions.
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