So many people drown in Lake Lanier. So many drowning deaths can be prevented by following the simple tips from several agencies in Georgia. They call the program SPLASH.
Drowning is the second-leading cause of accidental death for children 1 to 4 years of age, according to the Georgia Department of Public Health.
Beaches will soon be full of kids screaming and playing in the water. At times, they all sound like they’re about to go under. Oddly, people who drown are often not the ones flailing their arms or shouting.
That’s why SPLASH is so vital in saving lives … and lowering the death toll of 200 Georgians drowning last year while swimming, boating, playing near water or even taking baths.
“According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), there were approximately 10 deaths per day across the country during the last decade,” said First Lady Sandra Deal. “I encourage everyone to help me spread awareness on this important issue to stay safe around Georgia’s waters this summer.”
SPLASH encourages citizens to follow these tips when enjoying beaches, pools, lakes, rivers and other bodies of water:
Supervision: Designate an adult to watch children at all times. Do not assume someone else is watching.
Prevention: Wear personal flotation devices (PFD or life jacket), install fencing around pools, and use drain covers in hot tubs and pools.
Look before you leap! Never jump into water without knowing how deep it is and what is below the surface.
Arm’s Length: Adults should be an arm’s length away from children in water. Safety tools, such as hooks, should be nearby at all times.
Swim Lessons: Knowing how to swim greatly reduces the chance of drowning. Classes are often available through the Red Cross or YMCA.
Have a Water Safety Plan: Know what to do during an emergency.
The DNR is in the process of adding “loaner boards” with PFDs at public boat ramps. Those locations will be added to the Georgia Outdoors app.
The SPLASH campaign includes bilingual brochures, boat checks by law enforcement officers, public service announcements and videos, and social media messaging.
We appreciate the efforts of the Georgia Department of Natural Resources, Georgia Emergency Management Agency, Georgia Department of Public Health, Georgia Bureau of Investigation, American Red Cross, U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, National Association of State Boating Law Administrators, Georgia Power and others.
Swimming lessons are expensive espeacially if you have more than one child. I wish there was an affordable way to get lessons.