SHREVEPORT FIRE DEPARTMENT
DATE: Monday, July 1, 2013
PUBLIC SERVICE ANNOUNCEMENT
Contact: Chief Fred Sanders (318) 673-6652 or (318) 455-2411
*SFD: “Think Before You Sink”*
This year, the Shreveport Fire Department adopts “Think Before You Sink” as its water safety message for 2013. Each year local fire and rescue professionals respond to dozens of water incidents which result in drowning or near drowning. Recently, SFD responded to a near drowning incident where the patient almost died after being submerged in a back yard pool. “Think before you sink” is a clever reminder that following a few simple steps can prevent major accidents.
SFD OFFERS SOME PRACTICAL TIPS TO ENSURE WATER SAFETY:
• *Always* have adult supervision while in and/or around water.
• If you can’t swim, DO NOT get in the pool, lake or river without a life vest
• Use only U.S. Coast Guard approved life vest; make sure that
have been properly fitted prior to getting into the water.
• Learn swimming and rescue techniques from a qualified professional.
• NEVER swim alone; always use the BUDDY system.
• Drinking and swimming is a deadly combination--Refrain consuming alcohol before you swim.
• Learn proper CPR techniques. Refer to your local directory for a list of qualified professionals.
• Keep a cell phone nearby to call 9-1-1, if needed
National Statistics:
• Children under five and adolescents between the ages of 15-24 have the highest drowning rates.
• An estimated 5,000 children ages 14 and under are hospitalized due to unintentional drowning-related incidents each year; 15 percent die in the hospital and as many as 20 percent suffer severe, permanent neurological disability.
• Of all preschoolers who drown, 70 percent are in the care of one or both parents at the time of the drowning and 75 percent are missing from sight for five minutes or less.
Contact your local fire department if you would like more information. ###