Page 5 - Luke AFB Thunderbolt 8-14-15
P. 5
Thunderbolt NEWS Aug. 14, 2015 5
http://www.luke.af.mil Facebook.com/LukeThunderbolt
Summer safety prevents drownings
6WRU\DQGSKRWRE\ around water because it only takes a second
Senior Airman for tragedy to happen. Get swim lessons for
\RXU FKLOGUHQ 3RROV DFURVV WKH 9DOOH\ DV
-$0(6+(16/(< well as the base pool, offer lessons.
56th Fighter Wing Public Affairs Michael Ketterer, 56th Force Support Squadron lead lifeguard, practices a rescue “Another safety precaution, which is re
quired in the state of Arizona, is that homes
The first Drowning Impact Awareness technique Aug. 4 at Silver Wings Pool at Luke Air Force Base. Lifeguards for the with children 5 and under are required to
Month was in August 2003. August was EDVHSRRODUHWUDLQHGLQ&35¿UVWDLGDQGUHVFXHWHFKQLTXHV have a pool fence, barrier and/or an alarm
chosen due to a higher number of drown system installed.”
ing incidents occurring in that month. may have fallen into pools. “We also have There are ways to minimize the chances
During DIAM, advocates endeavor to get issues with teens and adults diving into of drowning while swimming. There are also lifeguards at the Silver
the word out about the causes of drown water that is too shallow. This causes lots Wings Pool to help ensure safety while
ing, ways to prevent it and tips to enjoy of issues, but the most prevalent is head “Never swim alone,” De Jesus said. “If swimming on base.
the pool safely. trauma that could cause a loss of conscious something happens to you, that person with
ness which could result in drowning.” you can get help or save your life. Never ´/LIHJXDUGVPXVWEHFHUWLÀHGµVDLG0L
“The program is designed to highlight swim while intoxicated. Watch your children FKDHO.HWWHUHUWK)RUFH6XSSRUW6TXDG
the high number of incidents that occur URQOHDGOLIHJXDUG´,W·VDWZRZHHNFRXUVH
in Arizona of people drowning in pools, ZKHUH\RXOHDUQÀUVWDLG&35DQGUHVFXH
lakes and rivers,” said Staff Sgt. Jason De techniques. We also learned about being
-HVXV WK )LJKWHU :LQJ *URXQG 6DIHW\ alert to health conditions by observing pool
“Since January 2015 there have been 22 areas and patrons.”
deaths(four children birth to age 5,; one
ages 6 to12; two ages 13 to 17; and 15 18 Some tips lifeguards have for swimmers
and older). In addition to that there have will seem to be common sense but need to
EHHQZDWHUUHODWHGLQFLGHQWVµ be stated.
With summer temperatures above 100 “Know your limits, stay hydrated and
degrees, water activities increase and the make sure to watch out for your children,”
SRWHQWLDO IRU VZLPPLQJUHODWHG LQFLGHQWV Ketterer said. “Knowing how to swim and
also increase. obeying the rules of the pool can make a
difference.”
´%HFDXVHWKLQJVJHWVRKRWLQWKH9DOOH\
many people have pools or neighbors who With these precautions and safety tips,
have them,” De Jesus said. “This creates a swimming can be a safe, enjoyable activity.
hazard for our children who may be going
into backyards looking for balls or toys that “While swimming has its hazards, a little
preplanning can make it an enjoyable way
to cool off,” De Jesus said.
