Many people have taken training to perform cardiopulmonary resuscitation( CPR). And, many have intended to train, but have not, yet. In either case, be aware that new research indicates a practice with better outcomes for survival.

All people who are pulled from the water after drowning should receive CPR with rescue breaths and chest compressions, according to updated guidance in 2024 from the American Heart Association and the American Academy of Pediatrics.

Prior to this, the guidelines did not always include rescue breaths as essential. Research now concludes that a better outcome may be gained by also giving rescue breaths.

Cardiac arrest following drowning is generally the result of severe hypoxemia( low levels of oxygen in the blood); therefore, oxygen administration is recommended. Both adults and children who have cardiac arrests from non-heart-related causes, such as drowning, are more likely to survive when CPR includes rescue breaths, compared to when they receive compressions only.

Drowning can progress quickly from initial respiratory arrest, when a person stops breathing, to cardiac arrest, when the heart stops circulating blood throughout the body, starving it of oxygen. CPR with rescue breaths may prevent cardiac arrest.

Only trained drowning responders should ever attempt to give rescue breaths

( mouth-to-mouth) while still in the water with the drowned person.

Others with CPR training and lay persons should perform CPR when the victim is out of the water on a safe, hard surface.

The best practice is to administer CPR immediately, for two minutes, then summon help yourself or designate someone to phone 9-1-1. CPR should be continued until first responders take over. Find a local CPR training class at redcross. org and know that you can make summer safer.

LEARN MORE THAN SWIMMING, BE WATER COMPETENT

Swimming is a life skill that everyone should have. But there is more to it than just knowing basic swimming skills. It’ s about being water competent. The American Red Cross Learn-to-Swim program, taught by Water Safety Instructor-certified professionals, helps equip people of all ages with knowledge and skills to become water competent – knowing how to prevent and respond to water emergencies. Here are some swimming safety tips whether you are just starting to learn to be water competent or improving your skills and endurance:

SWIMMING SAFETY TIPS

• Provide close and constant attention to children you are supervising in or near water

• Swim in designated areas supervised by lifeguards; always swim with a buddy, do not allow anyone to swim alone

• Provide close and constant attention to children you are supervising, even when a lifeguard is present, no matter how well the child can swim or how shallow the water; avoid distractions, including cell phones

• Never leave a young child unattended near water and do not trust a child’ s life to another child; teach children to always ask permission to go near water

• Designate a“ water watcher” whenever in a group setting

TAKE SMART PRECAUTIONS & USE LAYERS OF PROTECTION

• Stay within an arm’ s reach of any weak or inexperienced swimmer who is in the water

• Have young children or inexperienced swimmers wear U. S. Coast Guardapproved life jackets around water, but do not rely on life jackets alone

• Do not rely on the use of water wings, swim rings, inflatable toys or other items designed for water recreation to replace adult supervision

OURHEALTHNWA. COM 12 JULY 2025 | SUMMER SAFETY & SKIN CARE ISSUE