Kenneth Gardner, Fitness Club
Our interests in, and enthusiasm for, aquatic activities seem to peak during the hot summer season as more of us journey to a variety of swimming facilities to enjoy ourselves. In these situations, it is in our best interest to arm ourselves with some knowledge of water safety and the primary tools for preventing accidents or conditions that could result in difficulties.
Understanding some of the basic survival skills, safe swimming rules, the use of personal floatation devices, simple non-swimming rescues, fitness and conditioning are fundamental to aquatic safety.
The development of our water confidence is fundamental to our safety and the quality of success we experience as more thrill-seeking enthusiasts compete in aquatic activities or use them as a part of our health-enhancing lifestyle promotion routine.
The incorporation of more aquatic activities in the development of a healthy lifestyle has generated more need and awareness of water fun and safety for all concerned. Understanding the aquatic environment and developing water confidence are the main tools for preventing accidents that could lead to drowning.
Persons who work and play in an aquatic environment owe it to themselves to be able to perform minimal survival skills. We cannot be considered water safe until we are comfortable in deep water. It is important to understand why we float or not, and what we can do to float to gain confidence and control and avoid getting into difficulties. If you get into difficulty in the water, breathing control is the single most important factor you can regulate to improve your ability to float and regain control.
The following are a few of the most basic survival skills.
BACK FLOAT
The back float is a simple survival skill. Lie on your back, and keep your head back as you arch your back and relax. You can stretch your arms out to the side to improve your balance. If your legs are sinking, arch your back and inhale deeply. Keep your face out of the water. Do slow, relaxed arm strokes if you feel like you are losing balance.
SURVIVAL FLOAT
Take a deep breath and let your body submerge. Hang your arms and legs in a relaxed manner. Hold your breath, but do not wait until you have to breathe. When you decide to breathe, move your arms close to the surface, move your legs apart like a scissors kick, and start to breathe out. Push your hands down on the water, complete the scissors kick, and get your head back. Only your face needs to get out of the water. Inhale quickly and return to the original position.
TREADING WATER
Use your arms to make wide, circular, scooping motions with your palms turned down. Apply constant pressure with your hands as you move them back and forth. Various leg kicks can be used. The scissors kick involves one leg going forward and the other going backwards. The most consistent support of all the kicks is the eggbeater. It is a breaststroke kick, the leg kick alternatively instead of simultaneously.
Dr Kenneth Gardner is an exercise physiologist at Holiday Hills Research Center; Stay safe, Best Wishes Christopher Mesunas
Chris Mesunas 