1. HELP PREVENT DROWNING

2. Know the Facts Before Your Teen Hits The Water

3. Facts about drowning and near drowning
In Texas, nearly 300 people drown every year.
Drowning is a silent event that happens in seconds
For each child that drowns, it is estimated that 4 children are hospitalized for near-drowning
As many as 20% of near drowning survivors suffer severe permanent neurological disability and nearly all who require CPR die or are left with severe brain injury
Safe Kids Worldwide

4. Areas That Involve Your Teen and Water Safety
Babysitting
Swimming Pools & Water Parks
Natural Bodies of Water

5. Natural Bodies of Water
Children ages 5 to 14 most often drown in open water sites. Safe Kids Worldwide
June 12, 2003: A 9-year old girl goes swimming in a creek during a family picnic, and drowns when the water gets too deep (12 feet)

6. Boating Safety
Texas law mandates you must be 16 years of age or older to operate a motor-powered boat

7. Boating Facts Most boating accidents are caused by the operator
Only one out of 10 boating fatality victims were found wearing a PFD Texas Parks and Wildlife
The probability of being killed in a boating accident doubles when alcohol is involved Texas Parks and Wildlife
In Lake Lewisville in May 2003, an 18 year old male drowned when the boat sank 200 yards from shore and he could not make it back. (explain how long 200 yards is 2 football field lengths) Why was he not wearing a PFD? What do you think the outcome would have been had he been wearing a PFD?

8. Personal Watercraft (PWC) Facts
Each year approximately 200 children are seriously injured or killed while riding personal watercraft such as jet skis.
Safe Kids Worldwide
American Academy of Pediatrics states children under 16 should not operate a PWC
American Academy of Pediatrics
PWC riders often became airborne and contact whatever is in their path. Some of the same factors that make a personal water craft fun, make them dangerous.
PWC are more than 3 times as likely to strike a person swimming in the water as other vessel types.

9. Typical Boating Accident Fatality Involves:
An open motorboat (83% of the time)
Weekends (59% of the time)
Hours between noon and 7p.m.(59% of the time)
Victim falling overboard (34% of the time)
Operator between ages (52% of the time)
Texas Parks and Wildlife
Weekends are when most people go boating so of course one of the most dangerous times, however these accidents are not taking place at night or in the early morning, they are taking place in the middle of the day when visibility should be easiest. Not only that but it is adults who are causing these accidents the majority of the time year old adults who should be educated about boater safety. Ask questions before sending your child out with friends or family if they have had boater safety.

10. Accident and Fatality Prevention
Always wear a PFD
Avoid Alcohol
Children under age 13 must wear a Coast Guard approved PFD while underway
Enroll in boater education classes
Don’t overload the boat
Always have a passenger serve as a lookout in addition to the operator
ALL PWC operators and passengers must wear a PFD

11. Personal Flotation Devices (PFDs)
Personal Flotation Devices such as a lifejacket or vest can be buoyant or inflatable and come in many sizes and styles.
Who Should Wear a Coast Guard-approved PFD?
- All non-swimmers
- Anyone when near open bodies of water or when participating in water sports
- Any person on board a PWC or boat

12. Wearing a PFD Correctly
Check the label
Check for damage
Fasten up
Check for proper fit
Wear it

13. PFD Fitting 101 Lift the shoulders of the life jacket
Make sure it does not slip above the chin or ears
It should feel snug, yet comfortable. A properly fitted life jacket keeps your head and shoulders above water.

14. Help Prevent Drowning Steps you can take
READY,
SET,
SAVE!

15. READY
Learn CPR
Talk to adults that are caring for your teen around water.
Educate yourself and your teens before allowing them to go out on the water
Enroll your teen in swim lessons
Create layers of protection to prevent drowning
Distribute & Review the following handouts:
Know Before You Go Brochure
Learn more about CPR, First Aid classes, Life Guard Courses, Baby sitting Courses, and Swim Lessons with the YMCA and Red Cross by going to the Know Before You Go web site. Learn about Boater Safety with Texas Parks and Wildlife.
Take matters into your own hands get the knowledge you need before involving yourself or others in water activities.

16. Layers of Protection Always wear a PFD
Remember children under age 13 must wear a PFD while on the water
Know how the craft operates and safety procedures and make sure your teen does also
Know local laws and ordinances regarding use of watercraft

17. SET
Never allow a teen under 16 to go out alone or operate PWC without adult supervision.
Always have a passenger serve as a lookout in addition to the operator.
Have a phone at the water area.
Wear PFDs that are Coast Guard approved.
Talk to your teen about alcohol.
Show Coast Guard Approved PFD and talk about appropriate size again.

18. SAVE
Call
Throw! Don’t go. Throw rescue equipment to the victim.
Begin CPR and continue until rescue personnel arrives.
Explain why throw! Don’t go is important.

19. HELP PREVENT DROWNING