YMCA: Get children swimming early to reduce risk of summertime water deaths

NEW BRITAIN - Water can be the most refreshing thing in the world on a hot summer day. But is it possible to have too much of a good thing?

There were an average of 3,536 unintentional drowning deaths in the U.S. every year in the decade from 2005 to 2014, according to Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Children ages 14 and younger accounted for 1-in-5 fatalities. At about 10 deaths per day, it's something for parents and caregivers to think about when the kids are anxious to jump right into the pool, ocean or lake.

Experts suggest teaching even the youngest children water safety techniques in an effort to prevent drowning.

Floating is one way to regain control, according to swimming instructor Ashley Jordan of the New Britain-Berlin YMCA. Simply placing the body in a horizontal position is a great way to chill for a second and take in some air. Jordan said it's always important to keep breathing while swimming, especially for those who know they can't stay in the water for too long. Swimming underwater helps with lung capacity for those who want to train up. Exhaling just a bit underwater can also give the swimmer a little burst of energy.

Jordan offered some tips for water safety during a swimming lesson with 4-year-old Leah Borselle at the Y recently. She said she tells the children to exhale a bit while they're swimming through hoops underwater. She demonstrated as Leah twirled in the water. Leah floats and swims on her back better than most adults, Jordan said, thanks to early training.

Children should be able to turn themselves face up in the water and kick to the side of the pool or into a shallow area where they can stand if they fall into the water, Jordan noted.

The YMCA accepts children as young as 6 months old for classes. Jordan said that people may think there isn't much development when the children are learning young, but Jordan sees 3-year-olds jumping in the deep end.

Classes must be signed up for in person at the YMCA on 50 High St. It cannot be done online or by phone. Schedules for group sessions are available at nbbymca.com.

There are, of course, other precautions to take when near the water with little ones, such as swimming in areas patrolled by lifeguards, always swim with a buddy and place a child who can't swim in a lifejacket.

Jordan also noted that not all life preservers or "floaties" are created equal. Pool noodles, inflatable toys and "water wings" give children a false sense of security and do not prevent drowning. Lifejackets that secure in place and are the correct size for a child are recommended, Jordan said.

But what if a day at the beach or pool turns into an emergency situation even for experienced swimmers? The American Red Cross advises to "throw, don't go." Toss a flotation device to a person struggling in the water instead of jumping in to try to assist, the Red Cross advises. Once the person is out of the water, turn the person on their side and hit them in the middle of the back to expel any water, Jordan explained. Call 911 if they are still unresponsive. Performing CPR on someone with water in the lungs is not recommended.

However, taking a CPR class can be beneficial, especially for parents who plan family outings this summer. Visit Americanheart.org for a list of classes in the area. The Red Cross recommends people be trained in CPR, First Aid, and in the use of a defibrillator.

Although rare, even children who are adequate swimmers can become victims of "dry drowning." This can happen hours after swimming when there's water stuck in the lungs. It's mostly common in children due to their small size. Dry drowning accounts for only 1 or 2 percent of drowning incidents, according to WebMD.

Symptoms include coughing, chest pain, trouble breathing and feeling tired. If these symptoms occur, one should take the swimmer to an emergency room immediately.