Avoiding Distracted Swimming

Swimming is a sport enjoyed by people of all ages; however, water safety must be a top priority for both swimmers and those supervising others as they swim. One of the dangers is distracted swimming, whether it be a swimmer or a person supervising a swimmer.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), drowning claims approximately 236,000 lives each year, making it the third leading cause of unintentional injury and death worldwide. Both internal and external distractions can affect a swimmer’s safety. Drowning is the leading cause of death for children aged 1–4, and it can happen in mere seconds without any noise, according to the CDC. No one is exempt; if there is water access, then it is possible for anyone to drown.

Drowning can happen even with lifeguards, parents, or others supervising the swimmers, according to the Oklahoma Swim Academy. The National SAFE KIDS Campaign’s Clear Danger: A National Study of Childhood Drowning and Related Attitudes and Behaviors emphasizes that 9 out of 10 drownings occur when the person is within view. The one thing that many drownings have in common is someone who is supposed to be watching swimmers being distracted by something, such as reading a book or magazine or having a conversation with someone. Cell phones can be a real distraction as well, and because it only takes a matter of seconds for a drowning to occur, it is best not to use cell phones while supervising a swimmer.

According to YourSwimBook, both internal and external distractions must be managed, especially when swimming in a race. External environments can provide various distractions, such as a swim coach using a whistle, people cheering for their team, noise from the crowd, or competitors trying to belittle and distract other swimmers. Swimmers must also learn to manage internal distractions, including worry, fear, or overthinking.

Managing the senses is one way a swimmer can overcome distractions, according to YourSwimBook. Taking control of the senses is important to avoid getting distracted while swimming. Listening to music using a playlist that helps encourage positive thinking before a swim race helps prevent distraction. Another way to avoid distractions while swimming is by focusing on a point in the distance to help maintain concentration.

The American Red Cross recommends designating a “water watcher†for swimmers in a group setting. When supervising children who are in or near water, they recommend always swimming where lifeguards are supervising, never swimming alone, and having a swim buddy. Even if a lifeguard is present, it is important to pay close and continuous attention to any children near water. Children should be taught to always ask permission before going near water and never be left unattended.

The American Red Cross has a Learn-to-Swim program that teaches swimming and water safety by professionally trained and certified Red Cross Water Safety Instructors at aquatic facilities across the United States. A map identifying aquatic facilities offering this type of instruction can be found at https://www.redcross.org/get-help/how-to-prepare-for-emergencies/types-of-emergencies/water-safety/water-safety-training-provider.html.

It is important to provide appropriate barriers around a pool so that unsupervised access can be prevented, according to The American Red Cross.

Children who drown in home pools often drown at times when they were not expected to be in the water or even after everyone is thought to be out of the water toward the end of a swimming activity. Even when in the care of adults, children can drown when out of sight for less than five minutes.

The American Red Cross also emphasizes that additional knowledge is needed when swimming in lakes, streams, rivers, or other natural-water environments instead of swimming pools. It is important to leave the water immediately and go inside at the sound of thunder or sight of lightning. A swimmer should wait at least 30 minutes after the last sounds of thunder before going outside again, and if forced to stay outside, swimmers should avoid metal objects, open areas, and tall, isolated trees in order to stay safe. Swimmers should also be aware of any drop-offs in water depth, vegetation, fish, animals, activities of other people around them, and fast-moving currents, rapids, and waves—even when the water is shallow.

Be sure to have easily accessible life jackets and dress for the water temperature because falling into cold water can cause cold shock. According to the National Weather Service National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, cold shock occurs because body heat is drained up to four times faster in cold water than in cold air, and a swimmer’s breathing, heart rate, and blood pressure can change dramatically, creating a greater risk of drowning due to rapid breathing and sudden gasping in cold water.

Rules for safe swim behaviors should be established and enforced, according to The American Red Cross. Swimmers should always remember to swim sober and be sober when supervising other swimmers.

The National Safety Council recommends that parents be aware of where their children are located, and if missing, check the water first. Parents should watch their children in the water, even when a lifeguard is present. Cardiopulmonary resuscitation training is beneficial, and a list of emergency contacts and a first-aid kit should be kept nearby.

Swimming is a sport that all ages can enjoy, but regardless of age, it is important to stay focused and present in the moment to avoid distractions that could lead to drowning.