Summer Water Play Popular, 3 Drowning Prevention Tips for Safety

(Central News Agency Reporter Chen Jie-ling Taipei, 9th) In the scorching summer heat, water activities become the top choice for beating the heat. The Health Promotion Administration (HPA) teaches 3 drowning prevention tips: 'Observe, Choose, Learn,' pay attention to safety, assess environmental and weather conditions, choose safe waters, and master self-rescue and rescue principles to enjoy water play time with peace of mind.

For many people, water play is an indispensable summer ritual every year. However, behind the cool, shimmering water lies the risk of drowning. Just a few days into the summer vacation, there have already been reports of students drowning while playing in the water. The Health Promotion Administration of the Ministry of Health and Welfare recently reminded the public of three drowning prevention tips through a press release.

The first tip is 'Observe.' Observe the weather and water environment. The HPA explains that before engaging in water play or water activities, one should first pay attention to weather forecasts and water environment information. If there are unfavorable weather conditions such as typhoons, heavy rain warnings, strong winds, or lightning, do not venture out. It is also important to avoid playing in waters with strong currents, unclear depths, or dangerous environments to prevent accidents.

The second tip is 'Choose.' Choose legal and safe waters. The HPA states that when playing in the water, choose legal and safe waters with lifeguards on duty, and follow the guidance of on-site lifeguards and management units. Do not enter areas with warning signs such as 'No Swimming,' 'Dangerous Depth,' or 'No Entry.' At the same time, when participating in any water activities, life jackets and related safety equipment should be worn as required to ensure personal safety.

The third tip is 'Learn.' Learn self-rescue and proper rescue procedures. The HPA advises to constantly monitor the condition of oneself and accompanying friends and family during water play to avoid accidents due to exhaustion, cramps, or sudden physical discomfort. If you see someone drowning, immediately call for help loudly and dial 118 or 119 to report to the Coast Guard or fire department.

The HPA points out that the public should not rashly enter the water to attempt a rescue, as this may lead to more casualties. At the same time, one can use surrounding lifebuoys, rescue ropes, long poles, or other buoyant or extending equipment to assist the drowning person through shore-based rescue methods, thereby gaining valuable rescue time.

The Red Cross Society of the Republic of China has been promoting water safety education for a long time, reminding children and adolescents to learn self-rescue and rescue skills before playing in the water. They should master the '4 self-rescue techniques' such as slapping the water surface for help, using floating objects, jellyfish float, and back float to enhance their response capabilities in emergencies.

The Red Cross Society urges the public to avoid entering the water during bad weather, not to wear jeans when playing in the water, to warm up sufficiently before entering the water, not to force themselves to play in the water when tired, and to go with companions and not alone. Avoid diving or roughhousing in dangerous waters, and do not stay in the water for extended periods to prevent hypothermia. (Editor: Li Heng-shan) 1150709

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