Sea safety for the Easter weekend

After marriage nothing scares me.” The Easter weekend is upon us and will see many people heading to the beach. There is the possibility of bathers getting into difficulty.

People who are drowning usually cannot shout for help. The body sinks and only the head is visible above water.

In an emergency, immediate action and first aid can prevent a drowning death.

The first thing to do is call EMS.

Rescue the drowning person if you can do so without endangering yourself.

Unless you are trained in water rescue it is best not to swim to the aid of a drowning person. In desperation they may grab you and pull you under. Instead, give the victim something to hold on to as you pull them to safety.

Safe ways to rescue someone: 1. Reaching assist: Extend an arm or leg or long rigid object — pole or paddle — to the victim. If nothing rigid is available, use a towel.

2. Throwing assist: Throw a flotation device, inner tube, buoy, life ring to the victim. If the device has a rope, pull the victim to safety.

3. Rowing assist: If a row boat is available and can be used competently, row out to the victim. Throw the victim a flotation device or allow them to hang on to an oar or the side of the boat as you row to shore. If possible, pull the victim aboard over the rear of the boat/ stern. This will prevent capsizing.

4. Wading assist: Remove any heavy objects from your person; leave your clothes on. Wade out to the victim, be aware of strong currents. Use a reaching assist and extend something for the victim to grab. Use a stick to test the depth of the water. You can also hold it out to the drowning person.

Once you have the victim ashore: * Check breathing and circulation.

If necessary and you are trained, begin rescue breathing, CPR or bleeding control.

* Remove cold wet clothes and replace with something warm.

* Administer first aid for any illness or injuries, once you are trained.

* As the victim revives, calm and reassure them until you get medical help.

All near drowning victims must be checked by a physician because even though they may revive quickly at the scene, lung complications are common because of the ingestion of water.

Prevention is better than cure.

Let us all learn to swim and be able to administer first aid. The life you save could be your own.

AV RAMPERSAD Princes Town