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Our Safety System Program
"Keeping Kids Safe - Our #1 Goal"
Swimming Safety - Lessons That Keep Kids Safe
We are dedicated to implementing effective safety programs that educate both children and adults on vital measures to prevent drowning and other life-threatening situations. We are honored to have a partnership with the YMCA. Their Safety Around Water (SAW) Program exemplifies this commitment. This initiative teaches children essential swimming skills and raises awareness about water safety. The SAW Program helps participants progressively develop their swimming abilities. Children must meet specific criteria established by the YMCA to advance to the next level of lessons. This ensures that every child learns to swim and navigate potential water hazards safely.
Several swimming programs in your community could be a great fit for your needs. These programs are essential in empowering children by teaching them the knowledge and confidence required to engage in water activities safely. By prioritizing water safety, they effectively reduce the risk of drowning and foster a lasting appreciation for safe practices among both young people and adults. Investing in water safety education is not merely a precaution; it's a powerful way to ensure that everyone can enjoy the water with confidence and security. By prioritizing water safety, these programs effectively reduce drowning risks and cultivate a lasting appreciation for safe practices among both young people and adults.
Knowledge Saves Lives
Understanding Facts That Can Lead to Drowning Accidents
Drowning is a silent epidemic that takes countless lives each year, but many of these tragedies are preventable. By understanding the key factors that contribute to drowning, we can empower ourselves to take action and save lives.
When a person panics while drowning, the body's instinctive response can hinder survival. Panic triggers a fight-or-flight response, leading to increased heart rate, rapid breathing (even underwater), and inefficient, jerky movements that waste energy and oxygen. This heightened state of arousal can also impair cognitive function, making it difficult to think, follow instructions, or use safety equipment. As oxygen levels drop, fine motor control deteriorates, further reducing the ability to self-rescue.
Here's a more detailed breakdown:
1. Initial Panic and Air Hunger:
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The overwhelming instinct to breathe when submerged triggers panic and a desperate need for air, known as air hunger.
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This initial panic can lead to rapid, uncontrolled movements that waste precious oxygen.
2. Fight-or-Flight Response:
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The body releases adrenaline, causing a surge of energy and a heightened state of arousal.
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While this response is helpful in dangerous situations, in the water, it can be counterproductive, leading to flailing and ineffective movements.
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The fight-or-flight response also impairs cognitive function, making it difficult to think clearly and make rational decisions.
3. Oxygen Depletion and Loss of Control:
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As the body struggles to stay afloat, oxygen levels in the blood decrease.
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This lack of oxygen can lead to disorientation, loss of motor control, and even unconsciousness.
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Without enough oxygen, the body's muscles become weaker, making it harder to stay afloat or grab onto anything for support.
4. Potential for Long-Term Effects:
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Near-drowning can lead to various health complications, including pneumonia, acute respiratory distress syndrome, and even brain damage.
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Near-drowning can also cause chemical and fluid imbalances in the body, as well as psychological trauma like PTSD and depression.
Online Sources:
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The Psychology of Drowning
According to the Psychology of Drowning: Fear and Exhaustion, Panic-induced hyperventilation can rapidly exhaust a person. The body's inability to get enough oxygen results in confusion and decreased coordination. That's why drowning can happen in as little as 20 to 60 seconds for an adult and even faster for a child.
To support my findings further, statistics according to the CDC:
Article I. The Psychology of Drowning: - Stop Drowning Now, Oct. 30, 2024
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Accidental Drownings:
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Unintentional drowning was the leading cause of death among children ages 1-4.
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For children ages 5-14, drowning was the second leading cause of unintentional death (after motor vehicle crashes).
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Approximately 900 children and adolescents ages 0-19 died from unintentional drowning each year. That is an average of 3 drowning deaths per day.
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Boys were more than twice as likely to drown compared to girls.
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The highest risk locations for drowning vary by age.
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Among infants under 1 year old, two-thirds of all drownings occur in bathtubs.
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Among children ages 1–4, most drownings happen in home swimming pools.
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About 40% of drownings among children ages 5-14 occur in natural water, and about 30% occur in swimming pools.
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More than half of fatal and nonfatal drownings among people 15 years and older occur in natural waters such as lakes, rivers, streams, seas, oceans, and ponds (CDC, 2023).
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Prevention:
Some key recommendations to prevent drowning from the American Academy of Pediatrics
(2020):
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Whenever your baby is near water, they should never be left alone, be attentive, and avoid distractions.
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Make sure there is an attentive adult supervising children in any bodies of water, including pools (public and private).
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Everyone should be wearing a life jacket while on a boat, especially children.
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Swimming lessons for children can help prevent drowning. CPR training for adults is also recommended.
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Protect your teen by making sure that they:
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Never swim alone.
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Choose safe places to swim.
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Never go in the water after drinking alcohol.
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Data source: shared according to the 2017-2020 Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
(CDC) WISQARS
Joey's Buddy System
"Why Kids Should Have a Buddy While Playing Outside"
We firmly believe children should always have a buddy when engaging in outdoor activities. If something unexpected occurs, the buddy can seek help, potentially preventing a tragedy. By instilling lifelong safety habits in children, we can ensure their well-being and avoid preventable incidents that can change lives forever.
Joey's tragic accident serves as a reminder that anything can happen to our children in the blink of an eye. The safety of our loved ones should always be our top priority. Let’s work together to make our communities safer and make a difference in children’s lives.
Having an open conversation about threats your children may face and giving possible solutions allows your children to feel confident and empowered to keep themselves and others safe.
“How Buddy Systems Keep Kids Safe”
1. Safety and Reduced Risk:
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Buddy systems can act as a deterrent to bullying and aggression, as the presence of a peer can help prevent incidents and ensure safety.
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Having a buddy can also help students feel more comfortable and confident in unfamiliar situations, reducing the risk of isolation or getting lost.
2. Improved Social Interaction and Teamwork:
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Buddy systems encourage open communication and peer collaboration, fostering a more inclusive and supportive environment.
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Students who participate in buddy activities are more likely to develop social and teamwork skills, which can benefit them in other areas of their lives.
3. Reduced Stress and Increased Morale:
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Buddy systems can help students feel less stressed and more confident in their abilities, as they have someone to rely on and support them.
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The sense of belonging and support that buddy systems provide can increase morale and create a positive overall experience.
We recognise the challenges involved in addressing safety issues and age-appropriate content. We are continuing thorough, practical research to determine appropriate content and guidelines for our safety program. While this process is gradual, we are committed to enhancing our program with more informative methods in the future. This is a slow process.
On this journey, we are proud to partner with two exceptional organizations: River Crossing YMCA in Doylestown, PA, and the Police Athletic League (PAL) in Bensalem, PA. Their well-established guidelines for safety programs will inspire us and guide our efforts as we strive to make a meaningful difference.
Sources for Safety Program information and statistics:
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American Academy of Pediatrics. (2020). Drowning Prevention Campaign Toolkit. reported from https://www.aap.org/en/news-room/campaigns-and-toolkits/drowning-prevention/
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Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2022). Drowning Facts . reported from https://www.cdc.gov/drowning/facts/index.html
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Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2017-2020). Web-based Injury Statistics Query and Reporting System (WISQARS).
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World Health Organization. (2023). Drowning. reported from https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/drowning
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Children’s Safety Network, drowning prevention reported from https://www.childrenssafetynetwork.org/child-safety-topics/drowning-prevention
Empowerment: Building Confidence in You and Your Children
The following highlights the benefits of children playing with friends, particularly in the context of outdoor activities and safety. It emphasizes that being with friends can help children avoid situations with strangers, offer assistance in case of injury, and act as an early warning system for potential hazards. It also discusses how playing with friends fosters social and emotional development, increases motivation and fun, and helps develop problem-solving skills.
Here's a more detailed breakdown from online sources:
1. Safety and Mutual Support: [1, 1, 2, 2]
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Stranger Danger: Being in a group with friends helps children avoid situations when being approached by strangers.
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First Aid and Assistance: If someone gets hurt, a friend can help seek assistance or provide basic first aid until help arrives.
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Early Warning System: Friends can act as a "second set of eyes" and alert each other to potential environmental dangers or hazards.
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Reduced Vulnerability: Children are less vulnerable to harm when with a friend or buddy, as they can look out for each other and help if needed. (says the text [1, 1, 2, 2, 4, 5, 6, 7])
2. Social and Emotional Development: [1, 1]
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Social Skills: Playing and interacting with friends during outdoor activities helps children develop essential social skills, such as communication, cooperation, and conflict resolution. [1, 1]
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Emotional Regulation: Engaging in activities with friends can help children learn to regulate their emotions and cope with challenges in a supportive environment. [1, 1, 2, 2, 8]
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Sense of Belonging: Having friends to play with can boost a child's sense of belonging and self-esteem. [1, 1, 2, 2, 9]
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Learning from Peers: Children can learn from each other's experiences and develop new skills and interests. [1, 1, 2, 2]
3. Increased Motivation and Fun: [1]
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Encouragement: Friends can motivate each other to participate in activities and overcome challenges. [1]
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Enhanced Fun: Playing with friends makes outdoor activities more enjoyable and memorable. [1, 2]
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Shared Experiences: Outdoor activities with friends create lasting memories and strengthen bonds. [1, 2]
4. Developing Problem-Solving Skills: [1, 1, 2, 2]
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Teamwork: Children learn to work together to solve problems and overcome obstacles, a valuable life skill.
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Decision-Making: Engaging in activities with friends provides opportunities for children to make decisions and take responsibility for their actions.
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Leadership Skills: Children can learn to take on leadership roles and guide others in group activities. [1, 1, 2, 2, 10]
Online Sources:
[1] https://www.missingkids.org/education/kidsmartz
[2] https://www.richmondcountysheriffsoffice.com/kids-and-strangers.cfm
[3] https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/wellness-and-prevention/stranger-danger-and-stranger-safety
[4] https://globalnews.ca/news/1822340/how-to-talk-to-your-kids-about-stranger-danger/
[5] https://tryingtogether.org/dap/teaching-young-children-about-interacting-with-strangers/
[6] https://www.nspt4kids.com/parenting/stranger-danger-teaching-your-children-to-be-safe
[7] https://www.oswaldroad.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2016/07/Stranger-danger-guide-for-parents.pdf
[9] https://friendometry.com/about/
[10] https://www.18andundermd.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/bftk_supplemental_drug-abuse-prevention.pdf
While researching “Keeping Kids Safe” and “Buddy Systems”, we found this interesting information.
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Safety and Reduced Risk:
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Improved Social Interaction and Teamwork:
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Reduced Stress and Increased Morale:
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Buddy systems can help students feel less stressed and more confident in their abilities, as they have someone to rely on and support them.
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The sense of belonging and support that buddy systems provide can lead to increased morale and a more positive overall experience.
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Protecting Our Kids: Teaching Children About Personal Safety
Three Rules To Teach Your Children:
1. We all have the right to feel safe with people.
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This rule teaches children and young people that they have the right to feel safe and secure where they live, play, and learn, and that no one has the right to make them do something that makes them feel unsafe or unsure.
2. It’s OK to say ‘NO’ if you feel unsafe or unsure.
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This rule teaches children and young people that it is OK to stand up for themselves and to be assertive if something doesn’t feel right.
3. Nothing is so yucky that you can’t tell someone about it.
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One reason children and young people fail to disclose harm is that they are afraid of getting into trouble. This rule helps to encourage them to speak to a trusted adult, even if something seems scary or terrible.