If there's one thing Minnesotans know and love it's water.

With Spring here and Summer on the way, more and more Minnesotans will be spending time at the lake, pool or water park.

With a near-drowning in Albert Lea just yesterday, now's a good time to brush up on signs that someone may be drowning.

According to HealthyChildren.org, here are some signs that a child or adult may be drowning:

  • Head low in the water, mouth at water level
  • Head tilted back with mouth open
  • Eyes glassy and empty, unable to focus
  • Eyes closed
  • Hair over forehead or eyes
  • Not using legs — vertical
  • Hyperventilating or gasping
  • Trying to swim in a particular direction but not making headway
  • Trying to roll over on the back
  • Appear to be climbing an invisible ladder

Here's what to do in a drowning emergency:

  • Get your child out of the water immediately, then check to see if she is breathing on her own. If she is not, begin CPR immediately.
  • If someone else is present, send him or her to call for emergency medical help, but don't spend precious moments looking for someone, and don't waste time trying to drain water from your child's lungs.
  • Concentrate instead on giving her rescue breathing and CPR until she is breathing on her own. Vomiting of swallowed water is very likely during CPR.
  • Only when the child's breathing has resumed should you stop and seek emergency help. Call 911. Once the paramedics arrive, they will administer oxygen and continue CPR if necessary.

A website called SpotTheDrowningChild.com includes a video series where viewers are challenged to spot a drowning child.

Whether you're on the water with your kids, friends, neighbors or strangers, keep an eye out for anyone who may look like they're struggling; the consequences are too great to ignore. 

 

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