Can you spot the drowning child?

Well did you?  Its hard isn't it?  But surly it shouldn't be your thinking.  'Everyone knows what drowning looks like?' you're probably say or maybe it's because there's no volume on this picture, no screams for help? or come to think of it, no one's reacting so maybe there's not even a child drowning in this picture at all?

Well your wrong.  There is and what's more this still, silent photo is very much similar to witnessing someone in difficulty in the water.  And just to prove it here's a video.  Why not see if you can spot the casualty this time; http://spotthedrowningchild.com/

Did you get it this time?  See how difficult it was.  Drowning can happen in the blink of an eye and even within arm's reach of other swimmers. 

As much as we would like to think we could all spot and help a drowning victim there's no way of hiding the fact that drowning is a silent killer.  The victim rarely calls or signals for help and this is because when someone is drowning, contrary to what many assume, they can't call out - there simply isn't time to inhale and exhale before they sink below the surface.  Often they arn't able to wave their arms.

But event swimmers and watermen are different right? They're fitter, stronger and more trained.  They should be in tune with their ability and take early action to prevent drowning right?

Wrong.  Event participants are just as at risk as this young boy was.  Yes they might be fitter, stronger and more experienced but they are also pushing themselves further and harder and operating in more hazardous environments.  This makes them more susceptible to injuries like dislocations (ever tried swimming on a dislocated arm?) and cramp.  They operate in cold open water leading to cold shock and hypothermia or they over do it and fail to exhaustion.  But will they give up?  no, not in my experience.  Or at least not until the very last minute and at that point, when they know they physically cannot go anymore they search for the nearest point of safety and support.

And that's why when your choosing how to staff your events safety teams you need to seriously think about it.  Is your team made up of professionals?  Are they actually trained?  Do they hold the necessary insurances?

All of Water Safety Europe's teams are trained professionals.  They hold national and internationally recognised awards to enable them to do this role and just like that lifeguard in the video; they're specifically trained to notice the signs of distress and take actions prior to the incident unfolding.  They're supported by a highly experienced team, there to coordinate and manage incidents and eliminate the guess work from the process.  Their actions are monitored and coordinated ensuring maximum coverage and maximum efficiency. 

Can your team do all that?

In the past many events got-by by utilising local paddlers or calling a mate with a boat.  But in this modern world of health and safety laws, where the onus is on the event organiser to ensure safety why risk it?  Why not choose a team who can actually do the job and do it properly.  As I always say to my clients if you want to run a budget event that's fine.  Buy in budget medals, cut costs on marketing and slice the fancy look at me additions that ultimately come with events but please do not try to play budget with the important things.  Your medical cover, security and yes water safety as when something goes wrong it is these services you're going to rely on.  As a friend of mine once said 'we are a necessary evil.  An expenditure you should tolerate paying but hope you never need to see used.'

DID YOU KNOW:

 i     - 1 in 10,000 event swimmers will go unconscious
 - 1 person every 20 hours drowns in the UK and thousands more suffer life changing injuries.
  -   the highest risk group is 15-25 year old males