Experts weigh in on how to prevent drownings

North Jersey has seen string of recent incidents

By: liam Quinn
NorthJersey.com
USA Today Network - New Jersey

..... With the summer moths in full swing, may are flocking to local swimming spots. But a slew of recent drownings in North Jersey - including the backyard pool deaths of a 7-year-old girl in Teaneck and of a 55-year-olld man in River Vale, a lake death in Morris county a teenage in a New Milford pond and a reservoir drowning in Woodland Park - emphasize the need for water safety.
..... While pools and lakes present different challenges, each drowning poses the same question of how to keep people safe in the water.
..... Mike Lazzara, president and CEO of the Rutherford Swim Association is no stranger to pool safety. In addition to running a pool, Lazzara is a certified swim coach and lifeguard instructor. He said attentiveness is key around the pool.
..... "Anything can happen at any time," he said.
..... As a pool operator, Lazzare has the luxury of a lifeguard staff to patrol the water in case of a drowning. Many bodies of water do not, and it's being exacerbated by a nationwide lifeguard shortage.
..... Matthew Teter, executive director of the Red Cross of Northern New Jersey, recommends never swimming alone, at any age.
..... "If somebody is in the water, they need to have a swimming buddy," Teter said, regardless of the body of water.
..... The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention attributes a "lack of close supervision" as one factor that increases the likelihood of drowning, as well as not knowing how to swim and "missing or ineffective fences around water." In the case of the Teaneck child's drowning, the victim was reported missing before she was eventually found in the pool, police said.
..... For those who own a backyard pool, Lazzara had the suggestions, in addition to fencing, to ensure that it is operated as safety as possible. He said having cameras, motion sensors or even a door chime by your pool can help monitor when someone goes in. But he especially emphasized paying close attention when a pool is in use.
..... "That moment that you think you can relax, that moment you think you can take your eyes off the pool," Lazzara said, "that's the moment that somebody's going to drown."
..... Teter also recommended removing any pool toys or flotation devices when a pool isn't in use, because it can shield the view of someone drowning. Lazzara said the COVID-19 pandemic has also affected water safety, taking away opportunities for children to take swimming lessons due to restrictions. children are especially vulnerable to drowning, and the pandemic's interruption of summer activities has hampered their ability to become strong swimmers.
..... "Kids need that structure,," he said. "Really losing two years of that structure to remain safe during the pandemic, it kind of set them back."
..... The Rutherford Swim Association offers swims lessons, and Lazzara takes pride in helping kids feel more comfortable in the water.
..... "Some kids hate swim lessons at first but then end up loving them," he said. "That smile at the end of that session, when they say 'Hey, I can swim in 12 feet of water.' It is a great feeling."
..... The CDC said that aside from birth defects, more children ages 1 to 4 die from drowning than any other cause. For children ages 1 to 14, drowning is the second leading cause of death after motor vehicle crashes. But it's not just a children;s issue. The CDC estimates that there are an average of 11 unintentional fatal drownings per day in the United States.
..... Being near water doesn't just mean preventing drownings; it also means knowing what to do when one happens, In the case of near-drownings, there are lifesaving actions that can be taken.
..... The Red Cross offer CPR training, and many courses can be done Online for $35.
..... "Everybody should have basic first aid, CPR, AED training," Teter said, "potentially saving a life during a drowning or any other incident that could happen."
..... The Rutherford Swim Association provides this training to its staff and emphasizes the need to be alert for any potential incidents.
..... "We're always hoping for the best, but we're ready to expect the worst," Lazzara said of rescue attempts.
..... The Red Cross has a set of steps to fol ow when someone is drowning. The first is to recognize the signs, then without putting yourself in danger, remove the person from the water. They then recommend asking someone to call emergency services. If no one else is around, attempt care for two minutes before calling 911. Next begin rescue breathing and CPR, if an AED, or defibrillator, is available, sue it.
..... When drownings are in the news, Lazzara shares them with his staff to educate them on the possibility that they may need to save a life and to keep them prepared.
..... "It really helps to use these current events to discuss that this could happen here," eh said. "We need to be sharp. We need to be doing our job."

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