“We hope no one drowns in Wilson County! If you can't swim, don't go in or near the water alone and don't wear a safe life jacket. It's that simple. It really is.”
People fall out of boats by mistake. They never meant to get wet. Accidents happen. People of all ages get into trouble swimming alone, especially in farm ponds. The key here is to never be alone when swimming.
All pond owners should post signs prohibiting swimming and fishing, but if there aren't any, a safety post and extension pole (bamboo is fine) should be provided with a long rope with a knot at the end, or a 1-gallon jug filled with 1-2 inches of water attached to the rope for stability, to be thrown to anyone in distress if the signs are not being followed. The important thing is that someone is there to help.
Fishermen who cannot swim may wander into a body of water to retrieve their catch or lures and end up stepping into a deeper hole than expected and drowning, or standing in a boat, losing their balance and falling, panicking and drowning. Even if the person watching cannot swim, there are some things they can use as safety gear or safety devices, such as an empty cooler that can be tossed or a towel that can be stretched out, if a dangerous person is close enough.
Take the time to talk to your kids about never swimming alone and always having someone supervise them, and make sure that person knows how to help. Even better, get your kids into swimming lessons. Call the Red Cross or YMCA.
Yes, I know everyone has a cell phone, but calling for help is of little use if too much time passes while you wait for help. Stay with someone. Parents, if your children are swimming in the backyard pool, keep an eye on them and be prepared for any situation. Check under the float as your child may slip under the float and not be able to return to the surface.
If you want to be as safe as possible, learn how to swim and let your family and friends know what to do in an emergency. We all need to do our part to prevent drowning. Take action before it's too late to keep everyone safe.
Charles P. Farris Jr.
Wilson
The author is a former swim instructor trainer for the American Red Cross.
