I bet I’m pretty right on when I say that the majority of RVers that get out on the road makes their destination very close to water and will most likely include some type of water activity. Whether it be a lake, river, ocean or a swimming pool at the RV campsite, there is always the possibility and danger of drowning. Though most of us think this will never happen to us, it is best to be armed with knowledge about water safety.
Most of us think that drowning involves screaming, failing arms, splashing and just an overall call to attention, however this is completely wrong and quite the opposite when someone in the water runs into trouble. Drowning is pretty much silent, but there are telltale signs if you are aware of what they are. And if you’re not, you bet I’m going to share with you! So, here goes:
- Except in rare circumstances, drowning people are physiologically unable to call out for help. The respiratory system was designed for breathing. Speech is the secondary or overlaid function. Breathing must be fulfilled, before speech occurs.
- Drowning people’s mouths alternately sink below and reappear above the surface of the water. The mouths of drowning people are not above the surface of the water long enough for them to exhale, inhale, and call out for help. When the drowning people’s mouths are above the surface, they exhale and inhale quickly as their mouths start to sink below the surface of the water.
- Drowning people cannot wave for help. Nature instinctively forces them to extend their arms laterally and press down on the water’s surface. Pressing down on the surface of the water, permits drowning people to leverage their bodies so they can lift their mouths out of the water to breathe.
- Throughout the Instinctive Drowning Response, drowning people cannot voluntarily control their arm movements. Physiologically, drowning people who are struggling on the surface of the water cannot stop drowning and perform voluntary movements such as waving for help, moving toward a rescuer, or reaching out for a piece of rescue equipment.
- From beginning to end of the Instinctive Drowning Response people’s bodies remain upright in the water, with no evidence of a supporting kick. Unless rescued by a trained lifeguard, these drowning people can only struggle on the surface of the water from 20 to 60 seconds before submersion occurs. [On Scene Magazine: Fall 2006]
I’m sure that the mere thought of someone you know being in danger and drowning is stressful, but take comfort in that you are armed with the knowledge on how to recognize if someone is in trouble. And if you are not sure if someone is ok, do the simple thing and just ask them if they are ok. It’s better to be safe than sorry when it come to water as you just never know.
There are tons of places to RV to where you can enjoy the water. Which is your favorite water destination?
Don’t forget to take your RV to any ExploreUSA RV Supercenter to get your RV serviced before the next big trip!
