Drowning, the “silenced death”
This cause of death in the aquatic environment receives this name due to the speed with lifeguard class which it can occur, from just a few seconds to a few minutes. "In such a short period of time, the struggle to breathe and stay afloat through uncoordinated movements prevents and hinders the possibility of asking for help," says the person in charge of the Fess. In addition, these behaviors can be missed "if confused with the natural intent to stay on the surface in a normal situation," she adds.
If drowning occurs due to hydrocution -digestion cut- , our body experiences a thermodifferential shock that can lead to cardiorespiratory arrest and, in this way, death occurs without the possibility of warning.
Private pools are the most affected
In 2018 , "of the 18 deaths that have occurred in swimming pools , 13 (72 percent) have occurred in private ones , the main cause of death by drowning being the lack of surveillance ," says Pino Espinosa.
Contrary to popular belief, " minors are not the sector of the population that dies the most from drowning , but rather the one that has the most relevance in the press, representing 5.2 percent of drowning deaths." explains the person in charge of the Fess. “ The age group where the most drownings occur are those over 65 years of age , who represent 41.6 percent ,” she adds.
Safety mechanisms and aquatic objects
" Perimeter fencing is one of the most effective measures, which must have adequate characteristics: a minimum height and a self-closing door ," explains Novia Carballo. Regarding the use of floats and similar tools , their use is discouraged, since " they do not offer any guarantee of protecting against drowning , since these inflatables can break or puncture," adds Pino Espinosa.
Steps to take in case of drowning
When we find ourselves in this situation in the aquatic environment, it is essential to react. “It is recommended that the owners of private swimming pools without a lifeguard train in basic cardiopulmonary resuscitation to be able to deal with drowning. In addition, these types of lifeguard class for parents are taking place both in hospitals and in primary care, "says the AEP pediatrician.
If we have a lifeguard courses near me in our pool , we must inform him of the situation quickly, since he will be the one who "activates the emergency system, will carry out rescue actions and apply first aid if necessary", says Ana Domínguez Pichon , coordinator of the Fess Prevention Commission. If we do not have his presence, it is necessary to call 112 .
To avoid drowning, in addition to monitoring and checking the pool, once we arrive we must " read the information panels that we can find at the entrances where the general rules of use and safety of that facility appear and the recommendations that we must continue to avoid accidents”, points out Domínguez. In addition, to have greater security, we must follow the guidelines given by the lifeguards.
More prevention and action campaigns
To raise awareness about drowning in swimming pools, Novia Carballo proposes the following guidelines:
“ Safe bathing standards must be visible in all swimming pools, both public and private; use a life jacket for every child who practices an activity near water; educate for health in primary care about safe bathing when the summer season approaches; give recommendations on the care of preschool children to avoid drowning in bathtubs, buckets or other sources of water; teach parents about basic cardiopulmonary resuscitation in health centers, schools or hospitals; educate adolescents about the consumption of toxins and thus avoid risky behaviors; carry out campaigns in the media similar to those of the General Directorate of Traffic and establish the obligation to have security measures in all swimming pools ”.
One of these prevention campaigns is the one carried out by the Spanish Federation of Rescue and Lifeguards since 2016, #StopAhogados , with which "prevention advice for beaches and swimming pools aimed at different age groups depending on the risks and existing dangers for each one of them”, informs Domínguez.