To swim or not to swim

  • Published
  • By Tech. Sgt. Robert Wollenberg
  • 7th Bomb Wing Public Affairs
DYESS AIR FORCE BASE, Texas --  Summer is a time for hiking, biking, grilling and pretty much anything to do with the outdoors. Here, in the middle of Texas, water sports are near the top of everyone's list of things to do. Let's face it, it's hot here. And what better way to enjoy a hot Texas summer day than to do it in the water?

According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention, from 2005-2009, there were an average of 3,533 fatal unintentional drownings (non-boating related) annually in the United States - about 10 deaths per day. About one in five people who die from drowning are children 14 and younger.

In the Air Force, there have been three water deaths already this year. One of those deaths happened here at Dyess, when an Airman's kayak overturned. According to officials, he most likely would have survived had he been wearing a life preserver.

"People often believe bad things never happen to them," said Jack Wylie, 7th Bomb Wing deputy chief of safety. "But let me tell you, it can and does happen to them. The family and friends of the individual who died recently at the lake sure didn't expect to receive bad news. How different could everything have turned out had he worn a life jacket?"
Being safe, especially around water, is not just the responsibility of the individual.

"When it comes to water, everyone needs to be looking after everyone else," said Tech. Sgt. Todd Pearce, 7 BW ground safety. "Just because you know how to swim doesn't mean you'll be able to when the time comes, or that someone will be watching at the very moment you get that cramp and go under."

According to an Air Combat Command water safety memo, a recent American Red Cross survey showed that almost half the adults surveyed on water safety said they've had an experience where they nearly drowned, and one in four knew someone who has drowned.

"Please take your personal safety and the safety of others around you seriously," Pearce said. "Death is no joking matter, especially when it could have been prevented by taking a moment to consider basic risk management principles. No one is asking you to not go out and have fun, just do it responsibly and safely."

According to the CDC's web site, tips to help people stay safe in the water are to supervise when in or around water include:

 Use the buddy system
 Seizure disorder safety
 Learn to swim
 Learn CPR
 Air-filled or foam toys are not safety devices
 Avoid alcohol
 Don't let swimmers hyperventilate before swimming underwater or try to hold their breath for long periods of time
 Know how to prevent recreational water illnesses
 Know the local weather conditions and forecast before swimming or boating.

For more stats and information pertaining to water-related injuries, logon to www.cdc.gov/homeandrecreationalsafety/water-safety/index.html.

The Texas Parks and Wildlife website has information pertaining to water, water safety, and many other outdoor related activities in and around The Big Country. Logon to their web site at www.tpwd.state.us.

To see current Outdoor Rec programs and equipment available to rent, logon to www.dyessfss.com/outdoor-rec.html or call (325) 696-2402.