Drownproofing - keeping your head above water

DROWNPROOFING

Keeping your head above water is a simple skill -- and one that could save your life

Every year thousands of people lose their lives in drowning-related accidents. They drown in rivers, lakes and oceans. While some drown in bath tubs and pools, the majority of these deaths are directly tied to recreational pursuits. Intoxications, recklessness, drug abuse and the lack of common sense are all contributing factors in many drownings.

Drownproofing is a technique used by swimmers and non-swimmers alike. It is designed to reduce the risk of accidental drowning by 100%. Taught to both the young and old, it is simple to do, takes little energy and it can save your life.

Drownproofing is an almost tireless exercise that allows you to breathe and stay afloat at the same time. You can use drownproofing as a way to stay alive should you encounter water over your head and not know how to swim.

Drownproofing begins with common sense and ends with a course taught by your local YMCA or American Red Cross. There are certain obvious rules:

(1) Don't jump into unfamiliar waters. It could be swift moving, deeper than it looks, hiding deep mud or quicksand.

(2) Wear a life preserver aboard a boat. Make certain it is in shipshape working order.

However, if you take a plunge without a life preserver into water over your head and you begin to get panicky, breathe in some air, go into the fetal position and feel your back bobbing up and down above the surface of the water. While exhaling under the water, extend both arms and legs -- as though you were diving. As you spread your arms and legs out through the water, raise your head above the water and inhale. Once you have done this, go back to the fetal position and repeat the cycle. This is drownproofing.

Can it work when you have a life preserver on? Certainly. Drownproofing is especially useful when you are confronting choppy water. Anyone familiar with life preservers knows they are great when the water is calm, but a real struggle when the water is choppy. In fact, it takes a lot of energy to fight for some air.

If you are confronted by choppy waters, go into the fetal position, hold your breath, time the wave movements and go through the entire drownproofing cycle. This helps you to remain calm. Your body muscles require more oxygen when you are struggling. Drownproofing allows you to take in oxygen at your convenience, especially in choppy water. Your ears will help you time the movements by recording differences in water pressure above you.

Drownproofing will work for you, but you have to use common sense as well while enjoying water-related recreational activities. To learn more about drownproofing contact your local YMCA or American Red Cross.

Richard Thomas Edwards is a freelancer writer living in Westlake, Louisiana.

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