Every year, millions of families worldwide face the heart-wrenching tragedy of drowning. On July 25, World Drowning Prevention Day, the Oshkosh YMCA is committed to raising awareness and taking action to prevent these needless deaths.
Statistics
Drowning is a critical public health issue. Over the last decade, drowning has tragically claimed over 2.5 million lives worldwide. Children aged 1-4 years are at the highest risk, followed closely by children aged 5-9 years.
These staggering numbers highlight the urgent need for preventative measures. We all have a role to play in reducing these needless deaths.
Action Steps to Reduce the Risk of Drowning
The World Health Organization (WHO) advocates for six evidence-based, low-cost interventions to significantly reduce the risk of drowning:
- Installing barriers to control access to water
- Providing safe places away from water for pre-school children, with capable childcare
- Teaching swimming, water safety, and safe rescue skills
- Training bystanders in safe rescue and resuscitation
- Setting and enforcing safe boating, shipping, and ferry regulations
- Improving flood risk management
What the Y is Doing to Help
At the Oshkosh YMCA, we actively support these life-saving measures through our various programs and initiatives aimed at preventing drowning:
- Safety Around Water Program: This program involves visiting elementary schools throughout our community to talk to kids about basic water safety skills, such as floating, treading water, and what to do if they find themselves in water unexpectedly. Through this YMCA program, every second grader in the Oshkosh Area School District receives this potentially lifesaving education.
- Swim Lessons for All Ages: We offer comprehensive swim lessons for all ages, starting at 6 months old all the way up to adults. We teach essential water safety and swimming skills to build confidence and competence in the water.
- Safety First Approach: Our aquatics facilities and programs are centered around the safety of our members and guests. We adhere to strict safety standards in our facilities, including having a lifeguard on duty at all times.
- Lifeguard Training: We provide rigorous lifeguard training programs that equip individuals with the skills needed for safe rescue and resuscitation, ensuring our pools and local waters are monitored by highly trained professionals.
- Community Outreach: The Y is a major voice in drowning prevention initiatives, with YMCAs around the country hosting events, discussions, and participating in outreach efforts to educate communities on water safety.
It Can Happen to Anyone
Spending time in the water is a great way to enjoy yourself and beat the heat, but don’t underestimate the potential for danger.
If you and your family plan on spending some days at the beach this summer, make sure you’re equipped with the knowledge and skills to be a competent swimmer, and always stay vigilant. The U.S Coast Guard offers great online resources to help your family swim safety. Check out this article with information about beach forecasts, cold water hazards, how to spot a rip tide, and the beach flag warning system and what they mean.
Learn to Swim at the Y
Getting your kids or grandkids involved in swim lessons helps keep them safe and equips them with an important life skill.
Children can start swim lessons at the Y as early as 6 months old, and we offer a variety of ways to learn, from parent/child lessons, to group and private lessons.
And for adults interested in swim lessons: it’s never too late to learn. We have options for adult swimmers at any ability level.
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This World Drowning Prevention Day, evaluate your preparedness and explore resources to help educate yourself and others, and keep your family safe from drowning risk factors.
Additional Resources:
World Drowning Prevention Day Information
WHO Drowning Risk Factors Report
YMCA Lifeguard and Safety Trainings
Updated July 22, 2024.