DEATHS FROM DROWNING

Waikato Times, Volume 116, Issue 19460, 27 December 1934, Page 5

DEATHS FROM DROWNING

ADVICE TO BATHERS. No fewer than 127 persons were accidentally drowned in New Zealand in 1933. During the last live years 512 deaths have occurred from this cause. J About half of all individuals who drown are under 25 years of age, but most deaths from this cause occur among those between the ages of 15 and 25 years of age. Large numbers of deaths from drowning occur in individuals who are between 45 and 05 years. •In the younger group the deaths are probably due to inexperience and lacic of stamina. In the older age group they are probably due in many instances to overestimation of endurance and stamina. Nearly 80 per cent, of those who drown are males, indicating that the hazards are undertaken by members of this sex more often than by women.

Resuscitation. Following is a short outline of the prone pressure of resuscitation. 'lt is simple, effective and easy to learn. The victim should be placed stomach down, one arm stretched above the other, with the face resting on the arms. The following measures should be started at once and should be continued rhythmically until natural breathing is established: — 1. Do not waste time. Immediately after removal from the water try to clear fluid from the patient’s lungs by turning him face and head downwards so that it may run out of his mouth and nose.

2. Kneel and straddle the patient below the hips,'placing hands on small of back with fingers over the lowest rib, lips of fingers just out of sight. 3. With arms straight, while counting one, two, swing forward, bearing weight on body firmly but not violently. 4. Swing backwards while counting one, straightening up and thus relieving the pressure. This allows air to be drawn into the lungs. 5. Rest in this position for two counts. 6. Repeat these movements rhythmically forward and backwards, without interruption, about 12 to 15 a minute, until natural breathing is restored.

7. Meanwhile, if assistance is at hand, a physician should be sent for, patient’s tight clothing should be loosened at neck, chest or waist, and patient should be kept warm. Patient should not be moved from this spot until he is breathing normally, and then should be carried in a lying position to a place where he can bo kept, warm and receive expert medical attention. Precautions. Certain precautions should be taken by all swimmers. 1. Do not go bathing until at least an hour and a half after meals. 2. Do not dive into unknown waters 3. Do not overtax your strength—work up gradually to a long swim by strengthening the muscles llrst. 4. Do not do too many “stunts" unless you are expert. Do not rock the boat. Water is not man's natural element —respect it. Do not get into such dilllculty that someone will have to risk life to save yours. 5. Adequate supervision of bathing beaches and water sports in general prevent fatalities.