Water safety is a matter of life or death

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Shannon Hall
  • 7th Bomb Wing Public Affairs
DYESS AIR FORCE BASE, Texas --  Team Dyess lost one of their own to a kayaking accident on June 2, 2012.

Airman 1st Class Miguel Villasenor, 7th Security Forces Squadron, drowned when his kayak overturned about 150 yards from shore at Lake Fort Phantom Hill in Abilene, Tx. Villasenor was only 26 years old.

"Words can't describe the emptiness someone has after losing a loved one," said Staff Sgt. Timothy Castillo, 7th Security Forces Squadron K-9 handler. "We lost a friend, coworker and fellow Airman to drowning, and every day you ask yourself what you could have done to prevent it."

Many things can go wrong if the proper precautions are not taken before going into the water. Illnesses can be contracted, people can be seriously injured and a life could be lost.

Within the past five years, there have been 16 water-related fatalities in the Air Force.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, drowning is fifth among leading causes of death in the United States, with about ten people dying every day from unintentional drowning.

"Always be prepared for the unexpected and ensure everyone is following the rules," said Staff Sgt. Matthew Powell, 7th SFS. "They are posted to keep everyone safe. If you don't adhere to them, things are bound to go wrong. And when that happens, it's important for people to know how to react."

It is always pertinent to know what to do in case of an emergency. There could be times where your quick actions and response is what saves a person's life, while waiting on paramedics or other emergency responders.

"Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation, (CPR), is a great tool to have and understand in case you ever encounter a drowning victim," said Senior Airman Christian Roebbelen, 7th Medical Operations Squadron. "Also knowing how to apply first aid can be beneficial to the victim. You never know when you will come across someone who needs help, whether it is a pulseless or breathless patient."

Swimmers not only get injured, but can also become sick from being in harmful bodies of water. Watch out for illnesses caused by germs or chemicals. Keeping germs out of the water promotes a healthier swimming experience for everyone.

Although water activities can provide summer fun, they can be dangerous if you don't put safety first. By following rules and guidelines posted at local pools and lakes, families should have no problem having a safe and fun summer.

Below are helpful tips on how to stay safe and healthy while participating in water activities:

-Swim in designated areas supervised by lifeguards
-Always swim with a buddy; do not allow anyone to swim alone
-Ensure everyone within the group knows how to swim
-Never leave a child unattended by water and do not entrust their life to another child
-Have young children or inexperienced swimmers wear a life jacket
-Keep away from drains and suction fittings
-Avoid alcohol use; it impairs judgment, balance and coordination, and reduces the body's ability to stay warm
-If you have a pool or hot tub within your own yard, put up barriers to keep children away when an adult is not around
-Do not swim when you are sick or have diarrhea
-Do not swallow pool water
-Take a shower before swimming
-Wash your hands after using the bathroom or changing diapers
-If a child is missing, check the water first
-Know how and when to call 9-1-1 or local emergency numbers
-Have appropriate equipment; life jackets, cell phones and first aid kits
-Enroll in a first aid and Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) course