Marine Corps Logistics Base Barstow, Calif. -- As the heat rolls in to stay during the summer months, many High Desert residents head toward the water to beat the heat. For some, there is no better way to stay cool than to take a dip in a pool, at the beach or in a lake.
Though water can be fun for all ages, there are risks that come with enjoying aquatic activities.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), from 2005 to 2009, more than 3,500 people drowned in the U.S. In addition to those numbers, approximately 347 people died from drowning due to a boat-related accident.
People can suffer from different types of injuries.
However, it depends on what kind of environment they are in, explained Gunnery Sgt. Dustin Hamilton, safety specialist on Marine Corps Logistics Base Barstow, Calif.
Concussions and broken bones are most common on lakes and rivers when people engage in motorized water sports.
When alcohol is paired with swimming the chances of drowning increase because one’s motor skills become compromised. Lastly, people who are floating in lakes or rivers need to be aware of their surroundings and the presence of water vehicles.
Despite these risks, water can offer multiple activities for people to enjoy.
“Some water activities are swimming, boating, jet skiing, water skiing, wake boarding, wake surfing, and inner tubing,” said Hamilton.
While performing these water activities participants should wear personal protective equipment (PPE).
According to the California Department of Boating and Waterways, proper PPE is a life jacket, which helps an individual stay afloat in case they are hurt and are unable to swim.
According to the CDC, in 2010, 88 percent of victims that drowned from boating accidents were not wearing a life jacket.
Even though an individual is wearing their life jacket, it doesn’t necessarily protect them from other dangers in the water, explained Hamilton.
“You could be doing everything right but there is always that one guy in the other boat,” said Hamilton, “so you have to be aware of your surroundings and be vigilant. Always look for other boats.”
There are risks at a community pool as well, expressed Souher Hanhan, a lifeguard on base.
There are hazards such as running around the pool, drinking and swimming, and people falling into the pool and not knowing how to swim.
“If you don’t know how to swim, you should take swimming lessons, it’s a life skill,” said Hanhan. “And don’t drink and swim. A lot of drowning happens because of alcohol.”
According to Marine Corps Community Services on MCLB Barstow, there have been 10 active-duty Marine water related deaths in the Corps since Oct. 2010, two of which involved alcohol.
Drinking alcohol around water is dangerous; it is also dangerous to drink around young children while near the water. The leading cause of death in children ages one to four, according to CDC, is drowning.
In 2009, 30 percent of children who died from unintentional deaths were caused by drowning.
“Parents should be watchful of their children. They can fall in without flotation devices and possibly drown,” said Hamilton.
Even if they have a flotation device, it doesn’t give you a free pass not to watch them. Not all flotation devices are made to hold children right side up in the water. The devices are designed to assist the child in floating above the water.
According to MCCS, pool owners should ensure the pool is gated so children cannot access the area by themselves.
While at the pool, make sure there is a responsible adult that can supervise children and react to any situation in a timely manner.
Hamilton explained that parents should become CPR certified. In case of an emergency, there will be someone on scene to revive the victim until emergency personnel arrive.
Summer is the time to kick back and relax, but remember to be vigilant and know the risks that come with having fun in the sun.
For more tips during the 101 Days of Summer, be on the lookout for the next part in The Prospector’s summer safety series.
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