Save Lives. Swim Brayv.
SWIM
B – be aware…
Save a life by being more aware of your surroundings when near water. Things to know: who can swim well versus who cannot, where floatation devices are kept and the water temperature and depth.
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R – rest…
Without rest, injury or drowning is more likely to occur. Swimming is 1) a life-saving skill, 2) a sport, 3) a fun play activity. Be sure to not overexert energy; rest when needed.
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A – act fast…
If you see someone struggling or hurt in the water (or if a drowning has occurred), act fast to save a life. Remain calm and help them! When needed call 911 and begin performing CPR.
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Y – you can help…
Advocating – publically standing up for water safety – can help lower drowning statistics over time. Take the Swim B.R.A.Y.V. pledge and help us advocate.
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V – victims didn’t expect it…Prepare yourself!
Proactively prepare yourself and loved ones to be around water. Drowning can happen to anyone. Take swimming lessons, become CPR certified, and always have a water-watcher present.
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- Things to be aware of regarding your surroundings when near water:
○ Who around knows CPR?
○ What items being used are considered floating pool toys versus actual floatation devices?
○ Where are the nearest personal floatation devices?
○ How deep is the water?
○ Where does the drop off to the “deep end” start?
○ What is the water temperature?
○ How many people are in the water?
○ Who is the official water-watcher?
○ Why did it become so quiet?
- Exiting the water and focusing on controlled breathing is ideal.
- BACK FLOAT. However, if you cannot exit the water then you must roll over and float on
your back.
- Controlled deep breaths will aid in keeping you afloat as well as increase your
ability to call for help once you are on floating on your back.
- A personal floatation device is recommended.
- Know what struggling looks like in the water. Drowning does not look like it is depicted
on television!
- 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 cannot wave for help.
- Nature instinctively forces them to extend their arms laterally and press down on the water’s surface.
- From beginning to the end of the Instinctive Drowning Response people’s bodies remain upright in the water, with no evidence of a supporting kick.
- If someone is found floating unconscious, locate the nearest person who knows how to perform CPR and call 911 right away. It takes the ambulance time to respond and arrive.
- Simply talking about the issue will help.
- Advocate to your loved ones and strangers if needed!
- Take the Swim B.R.A.Y.V. pledge and spread the word!
- Pass along our informational wallet card.
- Volunteer as a cause ambassador for Swim Brayv
- Donate to support our mission and outreach
- Know the facts regarding drowning and water safety; Anyone can drown, even strong
swimmers.
- Sadly, someone dies from drowning about every 30 seconds. Accept that fact and be
prepared so you can proactively save a life and help reduce that statistic over time!
Ways to prepare:
- Take proper swimming lessons at a young age; starting at 6 months is great
- Become CPR (and first aid) certified to be helpful in emergency situations
- Always assign a responsible water-watcher when people are swimming.
- This person cannot stop watching everyone in the water until they have
assigned the role to another responsible care-taker.
- Have multiple barriers to entry around bodies of water
- Extra door locks -high enough to be out of reach for kids 14 and under
- Get gates or covers installed around pools, dock entrances etc.
- Install alarm systems on doors leading to water, and/or pool alarms
- Never Swim Alone
- Always have a swimming buddy, regardless of your age or swim level
