Preparing to not drown

Short one today, but I often get frustrated when something that is repeated a lot, so that really everyone should know and have it down, has not actually entered the general consciousness. There are many, many areas where this comes up, but the one that it makes the most sense to bring up for the preparedness blog, and to bring up in summer, is this very obvious thing:

Jumping into cold water on a hot day can kill you.

Sure, that may sound like an oversimplification. Obviously some people do it without dying. It's kind of rough to be the person that does die, though, and in addition to the trauma suffered by the people who care about you and the complete strangers who are in the area, and have their day ruined, sometimes people die in rescue attempts as well. Have some consideration for those around you, and don't do anything stupid.

Of course, don't do anything stupid is not terribly specific, so we can expound on this a little. The big one, and it seems to be the one that people take into account the least, related to the difference between water temperature and air temperature. Water does not heat up as quickly as air. It does not cool down as quickly either, but that part is less of an issue.

On a warm day, going suddenly from very warm to very cold can send you into shock. Shock is treatable, if dangerous, but going into shock in water means that you are now in danger of drowning. You may just sink, or you may get caught in a current, and not be able to help yourself.

I guess there is a loss of fun spontaneity when you don't just jump right in, but there is a lot to be said for checking out the water first. It gives you a chance to adjust to the cold temperature, and to check for hazards. Many people have suffered spinal cord injuries while diving. Even if you have been in that spot previously, you can't assume that nothing has changed. Water is all about change.

So, those things seem very obvious. We lose swimmers and divers every year, in the same spots and in the same way, and there is just no need for it.

Also too obvious to mention, but I will do it anyway, watch children, and make them wear life jackets, and remember that alcohol impairs your ability for everything.

Now for something not well-known or obvious, that should be seen more:

http://www.rd.com/advice/parenting/8-quiet-signs-of-someone-drowning/

I love swimming, and it can be a lot of fun. It just requires a little bit of thoughtfulness.