Water safety stressed

By Jacquelyn Rumfola

May 29, 2008 12 AM PT

With summer nearly here, many Orange County rescue workers gathered Thursday in Fullerton to prep parents on water safety. The Costa Mesa and Newport Beach firefighters and lifeguards at the training session talked about the various barriers like gates, netting and door alarms that could be used to keep unsupervised kids away from the water.

But there’s no substitute, they said, for a parent’s watchful eye.

“We really emphasize the ABC rules,” said Jennifer Schulz, spokeswoman for Newport Beach fire department. “They are pretty easy to remember.”

“A” stands for “adult supervision,”

“B” for “barriers” such as fences or netting, and

“C” represents classes, such as CPR, Schulz said.

Schulz said it is ideal to have all the ABCs covered when playing in the water.

“You can’t just have a combination of one or two of the ABCs,” Schulz said. “Where safety is concerned, all of them should be present.”

Parents should know that kids are smart, Schulz said. They can slip through the netting or get through gates.

During the event at the Janet Evans Swim Complex, representatives from Costa Mesa and Newport brought examples of barriers that would help protect children.

Relying on barriers alone, however, cannot avoid all mishaps.

“Even with adult supervision, looking away for five seconds could mean the difference between life and death,” Schulz said. “It could be five seconds too late.”

But it’s not just the backyard pool that poses danger. Parents need to focus on safety at the beach, too.

“Swim near a lifeguard,” said John Moore, lifeguard officer for Newport Beach. “It is the most important rule we advise people to follow.”

Other tips Moore recommended for beachgoers are teaching children how to swim before exposing them to the waves, knowing limitations and staying hydrated.

“If you fall in and you don’t really know how to swim, float on your back,” Moore said. “It doesn’t take a lot of energy, and there is almost no skill involved. Whatever you do, don’t fight the current.”

Also, make sure to check the daily currents and surf conditions.

“People should know the size of the surf, which way the currents are moving and how strong the currents are. If it looks like more than you can handle, don’t get in the water that day,” Moore said.

Firefighters and lifeguards highlight the importance of listening to all safety tips. Following just one rule will not prevent a tragedy.

“It takes several layers of protection to truly maintain a safe environment,” Schulz said. “Parents should know that accidents can happen at any moment. The more precautions you are taking, the better.”

Newport Beach Fire and Lifeguard Safety

www.newportlifeguard.org/

www.city.newport-beach.ca.us/FMD/

(949) 673-3371

Costa Mesa Fire Department

www.ci.costa-mesa.ca.us/departments/cmfd.htm

(714) 754-5106

American Red Cross Water Safety

www.redcross.org/services/hss/tips/healthtips/ safetywater.html

United States Lifesaving Assn.

www.usla.org/

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