River water Safety tips

Tips No.01

Inland Waterway

Q. Why do drowning deaths occur in inland waterways?

A. There are many reasons. The flat, still surface of an inland waterway can give a false sense of security. Currents, even in seemingly tranquil waterways, can prove dangerous. Inland waterways are not patrolled by lifeguards, and should someone get into trouble, there may be no one there to assist. Swimmers can also get panicked if they get caught on submerged objects, which are present in many of these waterways.

Q. Where do drowning deaths in inland waterways occur?

A. In inland waterways there are many environments where drowning deaths have occurred – rivers, lakes, dams, irrigation channels, water tanks and creeks have all been sites of drowning deaths.

Q. What safety precautions can I take if I want to swim in an inland waterway?

A. Remember that water conditions which may have been suitable previously can change hourly with the current. Submerged objects, like branches or rocks, are often invisible from above the surface and present a real risk of neck and spinal injuries, especially to divers. Always enter the water slowly, feet first – never dive in. Be aware also that cold water can cause hypothermia. Water can be deeper than you think due to steep drop-offs in dams or riverbeds.

Q. Who is drowning in inland waterways?

A. All types and ages of people are drowning in inland waterways, from young children to the elderly. In 2015/16, there were 72 drowning deaths in rivers, creeks and streams, with males accounting for 80% of all drowning deaths. In the 25-34 years age group this increases to 92% of all drowning deaths in rivers creeks and streams.

Q. Why are inland waterways dangerous?

A. Changing seasonal patterns, flooding and other effects of nature can cause inland waterways to change. Remember if the waterway is flooded don’t try to cross it. While it may look calm and shallow on the surface it is possible that the road that was there no longer exists.

Inland Waterways Checklist

• Checked conditions before entering
• Entered water slowly, feet first
• Care taken around crumbling riverbeds and slippery dam edges
• Underwater obstacles such as rocks, branches and rubbish avoided
• Care taken when walking on unstable, uneven and slippery riverbeds
• Avoided crossing flooded inland waterways
• Avoided entering water if alcohol has been consumed

Tips No.02

Water Safety on Holiday

Q. Why is water safety on holidays important?

A. While holidaying, you may experience aquatic environments you are unfamiliar with or that have changed since your last visit. To enjoy these locations safely, it is important to know the safety aspects that apply to different aquatic environments.

Q. What should I do if I’m holidaying in an unfamiliar aquatic location?

A. Conditions can change all the time, and a spot that was safe to swim at in the morning, may have developed a strong current by the afternoon. Before you enter any water body, spend time observing it, looking for any rips or currents. Ask a local about the waterway. Never dive in, always enter the water slowly, feet first.

Q. What steps can I take to keep my family safe when holidaying near the water?

A. Discuss with your children that they are not to enter the water without a parent present. Explain that even though they may be competent swimmers at home, the conditions can change dramatically in other environments and they need to be aware of this. Be aware of objects in the water, from rocks to watercraft. Obey any signs to stay in a designated area. Make sure you do the right thing as children will model their behaviour on you. Never swim alone and ensure children are actively supervised – Keep Watch and keep them within arms’ reach.

Q. What about if I’m visiting a water park?

A. In exactly the same way as at a public pool, lifeguards at water parks are on hand to ensure that all patrons can enjoy their time at the facility. This does not mean they are responsible for babysitting young children. Parents must continue to actively supervise children within arms’ reach at these venues.

Q. What dangers exist at inland waterways?

A. Many families enjoy holidays at locations near rivers, lakes and dams. It is important to remember that at these locations water conditions can change hourly. These locations can also present dangers with crumbling or slippery banks, shifting floors, submerged objects, watercraft and cold water. Many locations such as rivers, lakes and dams do not

Holiday Water Safety Checklist

• Checked conditions with a resident local to the area before entering
• Swam in patrolled areas, where possible
• Condition of all equipment checked before use
• Observed for changing weather conditions
• Observed conditions of water before entering
• Watched out for other people or watercraft when in the water
• Ensured children are actively supervised (within arms’ reach)at all times
• Avoided entering water if alcohol has been consumed

  

Tips No.03

Alcohol & Water Safety

Q. Is the combination of alcohol consumption and aquatic activity an issue?

A. Alcohol is a contributing factor in at least 20% of all adult drowning deaths every year. In the 18-24 years age group, this rises to 33%. These figures are likely to be higher as only some drowning deaths are tested for the involvement of alcohol.

Q. Why is alcohol consumption a factor in so many drowning deaths?

A. Impaired Judgement – Alcohol distorts your perception of risk, and your own abilities. With less accurate information pouring into the brain, you’re not as well equipped to make the right decisions and more likely to get into trouble.

Greater Risk Taking Behaviour – The influence of alcohol removes inhibitions, leaving you more likely to take greater risks, even life threatening ones.

Lack of Coordination – Alcohol numbs the senses, particularly sight, sound and touch. When these senses fail, the stumbles and stutters kick in. Once alcohol has been consumed it can be hard to get out of trouble.

Impaired Reaction Time – As a depressant, alcohol reduces the rate the brain processes information. Ordinary reactions simply take longer. On the water, a quick response is vital for survival.

Reduced Effectiveness of CPR – Should you need rescuing, the consumption of alcohol reduces your chances of surviving a near drowning as resuscitation methods are less likely to work.

Q. What activities were undertaken when these drowning deaths occurred?

A. People have drowned while intoxicated and involved in almost any type of aquatic activity including swimming, surfing, boating, rock fishing, sailing, walking beside the water and playing in the water.

Q. What happens to my body when I consume alcohol and engage in aquatic activity?

A. There are a range of physical changes which occur when alcohol has been consumed and an individual gets involved in aquatic activity. These include:

Disturbance of the Inner Ear – Fluid in the ear is responsible for balance. Alcohol and a sudden change in temperature can lead to disorientation. Diving into the water is a perfect opportunity for this: all of a sudden, up becomes down.

Hypothermia – Alcohol increases blood flow to the arms and legs, even when the body would normally try to stop this to save heat loss. Fall into the water under the influence of alcohol, and hypothermia kicks in much earlier.

Spasm of the Vocal Chords – Water in the windpipe triggers a reflex closure of the windpipe. Alcohol increases the chance that a spasm of the vocal chords will occur, snapping the airway shut. The combination of water and alcohol can lock the airway closed.

Alcohol & Water Safety Checklist

·         Avoided entering water if alcohol has been consumed

·         Participated in aquatic activities before drinking and did not re-enter water afterwards

·         Avoided consuming alcohol if supervising children

·         Avoided aquatic activity alone

·         Avoided aquatic activity at night

·         Avoided aquatic activity in conditions or environments that are unfamiliar

 Tips No.04

Watercraft Safety

·          Q. Are drowning deaths involving watercraft common?

·         A. Yes. On average, 51 people a year drown while using watercraft.A third of these occur in inland waterways.

·         Q. What types of watercraft are involved?

·         A. All watercraft pose a drowning risk. Some of the types of watercraft more commonly involved with drowning deaths are small aluminium boats (tinnies), jet skis, kayaks, motorised watercraft, sailing boats and inflatable dinghies.

·         Q. How does watercraft related drowning occur?

·         A. Drowning deaths while using watercraft occur when people are not wearing Personal Flotation Devices (PFDs), when they drink alcohol and fall in, when they are unprepared to cope with changing weather conditions, when they collide, or when watercraft is not seaworthy.

·         Q. What is a Personal Flotation Device (PFD) and why do I need one?

·         A. Any garment worn on the body to assist with flotation is called a Personal Flotation Device (PFD). PFDs include devices previously known as lifejackets, buoyancy vests or buoyancy garments. They are usually classified according to the wearer’s needs and the level of protection they offer. PFDs should be properly fitted for wearers

·         Q. Who is responsible for the safety of people on a boat?

·         A. The captain has an overall responsibility for the safety of their passengers, and must ensure there are sufficient lifejackets for all people onboard. However, it is the responsibility of each individual to ensure their own safety by wearing a PFD, avoiding alcohol, refraining from risky behaviour, and complying with the captain’s requests.

·         Q. Does alcohol play a role?

·         A. Alcohol is a contributing factor in at least 20% of all adult drowning deaths. Alcohol is also often involved in watercraft related deaths.

Watercraft Safety Checklist

·         Weight centred when entering and leaving a small boat

·         All gear stowed safely and securely

·         All people on craft wearing properly fitted Personal Flotation Devices (PFDs)

·         Complied with boat traffic rules

·         Avoided swimming areas, weirs, rocks and other watercraft

·         Monitored weather reports before and during watercraft activity

·         Kept a lookout for bad weather whilst on the water

·         Informed others not on board of your destination and when you intend to return

Tips No.05

Flooding

Q. How many people die from flooding in Philippines?

A. Flooding is the most common natural disaster in Philippines and causes great loss of life. Since 2001/02, 17% of all drownings in rivers creeks and streams occur as a result of flooding.

Q. Why is flooding so dangerous?

A. Flooding and flood waters are dangerous and can increase your risk of drowning for a number of reasons: conditions can change quickly (e.g. flash flooding), there can be strong currents, it is often difficult to tell the speed of the current, water visibility can change hiding hazards, as well as animals such as snakes and crocodiles being washed into the water.

Q. What is flash flooding?

A. Flash flooding is flooding that develops very quickly from short, intense bursts of rainfall such as from severe storms. Sometimes the onset of flash flooding comes before the end of heavy rains. Swift action is essential to the protection of life and property as water levels can rise extremely quickly, in some cases rising metres in minutes. Some flash flooding occurs away from where the rain fell, thus creating a false sense of safety. Always keep an eye on the water level when in, on or near rivers and go to safety as quickly as possible if the water level starts to rise.

Q. What can I do to keep myself safe?

A. The majority of fatalities associated with flooding were of people trying to cross flooded waterways in motor vehicles and engaging in high risk behaviour during floods (such as jumping into flooded rivers, riding boogie / surf boards on the water, and swimming in flood water). If waterways are flooded, do not enter or drive through it. You can also increase your safety by wearing a life jacket.

Q. Why is it dangerous to drive through flood waters?

A. Not only can floodwaters conceal objects, but floodwaters can also conceal the quality of the road, which may have been weakened or even washed away. Drivers also underestimate the amount and force of water that is needed to displace a car. An average car is 6-8m squared in surface area and requires only 10-20cm of water above the bottom of the chassis to cause the car to float and be washed away

Flooding Safety Checklist

·         Never drive through flood waters

·         Never swim in flooded waterways

·         Never ride on a boogie / surf boards in flood waters

·         Wherever possible wear a life jacket when in, on, or around flood waters

·         If conducting a rescue avoid getting in the water yourself

·         When swimming in natural waterways after floods be aware that conditions of the waterway may have changed dramatically since the last time you swam there

·         After floods, always check the water before entry and enter slowly feet first

·         If the river level rises go to safety as quickly as possible as flash flooding may occur