5 Things to do when you are drowning

PENINAH NJOKI ENTERTAINMENT JOURNALIST

Entertainment

21 August 2022

• The best floating position for survival is that on your back because it allows you to breathe easily.

• It is important to note that one can drown even on the shallow end of the pool.

The recent case of a Canadian-based Kenyan woman Wendy Hellen drowning during a live swimming session has shocked many.

According to her family, Wendy loved swimming.

The big question is, is there something that one can do in case they are drowning?

Below are some tips.

𝗟𝗲𝗮𝗿𝗻 𝗵𝗼𝘄 𝘁𝗼 𝗳𝗹𝗼𝗮𝘁

Lying horizontally shifts your Centre Of Gravity, in a way that favors your buoyancy.

Once your limbs are vertical, your COG shifts, forcing your body to submerge.

The best floating position for survival is that on your back because it allows you to breathe easily.

𝗟𝗲𝗮𝗿𝗻 𝗵𝗼𝘄 𝘁𝗼 𝘁𝗿𝗲𝗮𝗱

Treading means using your limbs to keep you afloat by simply moving them in a circular motion.

This gives you an upward thrust, enabling your head to stay above the water without necessarily moving.

This is a very important skill to have for those who swim in the deep end.

𝗟𝗲𝗮𝗿𝗻 𝗵𝗼𝘄 𝘁𝗼 𝘀𝘁𝗮𝗻𝗱

Water displaces our weight, leaving us without balance.

When you feel uncomfortable, you have to master the skill of bringing your body to an upright position and stepping down firmly to save yourself and breathe.

It is important to note that one can drown even on the shallow end of the pool.

𝗡𝗲𝘃𝗲𝗿 𝘀𝘄𝗶𝗺 𝗮𝗹𝗼𝗻𝗲

Always ensure you're in the company of a fellow swimmer, esp one equipped with life-saving skills.

It's important to note that all lifesavers are swimmers, but not all swimmers are life savers.

Do not jump in to save a drowning person if you are not a pro swimmer, you might also end up dead.

Always acknowledge your swimming capabilities.

If you are not a skilled swimmer, the deep end is no place for you.

Master the art of relaxing. We naturally float on water, given that we maintain a horizontal position.

Water stays calm, as long as you stay relaxed and calm.

Another important point to note is

Do not swim while drunk.
Avoid swimming immediately after a heavy meal.
Always note changes in markers to identify the change in water depths in pools, most pools have a blue line.
Do not let kids swim unattended.
Do not swim fully clothed.