Drowning accidents

Drowning accidents can be avoided

The main causes of drowning accidents are alcohol, inadequate equipment, poor functional capacity and swimming skills, and failure to supervise children by water. Accidental drowning and near-misses often take place in familiar places, such as in a bathtub, on a beach at home or cottage, garden pond or swimming pool. A person can drown even if the water is only a few centimetres deep, and drowning can happen in a moment.

When going on ice, remember that it can break even in familiar places. A prerequisite for moving on ice safely is being familiar with the risks associated with ice and moving on ice, and having the correct equipment. The most important is to make sure that the ice is thick, to learn how to identify hazards and to always bring safety equipment, such as awls. You should not go on ice alone. The best safety device on ice is a friend who can call for help and rescue you if necessary.

It is important to teach water skills to children

Drowning is often quiet. There is no drama, no grand gestures or tension heightened by music like in the movies. Only a quiet fight. It can happen in the blink of an eye when no one is looking. Never leave a small child by water alone or under the supervision of older siblings. Empty water containers, such as bathtubs, after use and cover any outdoor bathtubs. It is a good idea to discuss safe movement in water, near water and on ice with your child from a young age, and advise them not to go swimming alone without the supervision of an adult. Early and regularly maintained water safety skills prevent water-related accidents.

Avoiding drowning accidents when swimming and boating

• Always wear a well-fitting and properly fastened life jacket when moving in water. 
• It is never a good idea to drink alcohol in water. 
• Watch your children particularly carefully by water, and keep them within arm’s reach. Do not rely on inner tubes or floats to protect your child. 
• Before jumping into the water, ensure that there are no dangers hiding under the surface. 
• Evaluate your swimming skills realistically and swim accordingly. 
• Swim parallel to the shoreline and where your feet can touch the bottom if necessary. 
• Always bring a friend when you go swimming and to the sauna. 
• Teach your child the rules to follow by water and in water. 
• Check the seaworthiness of your boat and that it has the correct equipment. 
• Remember common sense and clear judgment – the correct attitude is the key to safety.