Be careful that children get suffocated when practicing swimming

The asphyxiation situation when practicing swimming is very dangerous. Equip yourself with ways to identify, handle or prevent suffocation when practicing swimming.

Asphyxiation occurs when too much water gets into the lungs. Children can suffocate in bathtubs, pools or pools. People with seizure disorder are also at increased risk of asphyxia. This phenomenon happened very quickly in a split second.

How to recognize when a child is suffocated

Victims usually do not kick in the water. Instead, asphyxiation takes place very quietly and victims often fall into a coma or remain motionless on the water or submerged.

Victims of suffocation often float, head tilted toward the water surface and mouth "open". This shows that the suffocating person tried to rise above the water when suffocated. The victim attempts to breathe as much as possible, but the breath is often not deep enough. In addition, their eyes will often open wide and be in panic. When suffocated, the victim will try to swim above the water, but the movements are very weak and lack good coordination between arms and legs.

What should you do first when your baby is suffocated?

Give oral artificial respiration as soon as possible. First aid is needed quickly on a boat, on a lifeboat or as soon as the lifeguard reaches the shallow shore. At the same time, it is necessary to give the victim constant respiration until being brought to the clinic, as the child has suffered long-term suffocation under water, especially in cold water.

1. Neck injury

If there is any sign of neck injury (such as a diving accident) protect your neck from neck curl or twisting. If the child is in the water, lift the child out of the water and place a spine support behind the neck or need someone to support the baby's head and back while bringing him ashore.

2. Vomiting

Vomiting is caused by a swollen abdomen when it is suffocated. If vomiting occurs, support the child to lie on his side, or let the child keep his head down to prevent water from spilling into his lungs. Lungs are able to expel water through contraction of the vocal cords (cough). Avoid putting pressure on the abdomen during resuscitation as this can lead to vomiting.

3. Go to the nearest medical facility 

Go to the nearest medical facility or call 115 right away if you or your child suffocates even though he or she regains consciousness after giving first aid.

How can i avoid water suffocation?

Here are a few ways to prevent choking:

Absolutely do not let children under 3 years old play alone in the bath or swimming pool. Infants can suffocate at 4cm water level.

Do not let infants play near a tank of more than 5 liters of water. If children reach and look inward, they may fall and suffocate because these large buckets do not fall easily.

Never let baby practice swimming alone in a pool without supervision. (Children are more likely to suffocate in the backyard pool than in the ocean or public pool.)

Special attention is needed when the child is near a hot tub. Choking risks can also include being trapped in the vents and suffocating (not just from water suffocation).

Make sure your neighbor's pool is well-protected by a fence and the doors are locked carefully.

Arrange swimming lessons for children under 8 years old (they are usually ready to learn to swim by the age of 4).

Warn children of all ages to check the depth of the water before entering the lake.

Warn children about holding their breath while snorkeling. This action can lead to fainting in the water.

Even a good swimmer should not swim alone. Invite a friend to swim with.

Through the above information, you probably already know how to prevent children from suffocating, but you need to be equipped with ways to teach your baby to swim and safety rules when going to the pool for children. Please refer here.