The Department of Universal Health and Public Health, through the Health Emergency Service (SES), warns of the need to exercise extreme caution this summer in order to enjoy bathing and water sports and avoid possible drowning.
The advice given by specialists in health emergencies to bathers and athletes in the aquatic environment focus on the importance of choosing safe places for bathing, which are supervised by lifeguards and always follow their instructions. In addition, the meaning of the flags on the beach should be respected and bathing should be avoided if alcohol has been consumed.
This year, in addition to the usual recommendations, we must add those established due to the coronavirus pandemic.
The director of the SES, Begoña Arcos, has added to these recommendations to avoid bathing immediately after meals. In this sense, it has specified that "digestion can influence loss of consciousness or dizziness more easily, as a consequence of the process itself, which can lead to drowning".
Also, as Arcos explained, "It is important to avoid bathing alone, since if there is a health problem, the delay in alerting the emergency services can be vital".
On the other hand, it is advisable that the exercise during the bath is adapted to one's physical condition and age, in order to avoid excessive effort, mainly in older adults.
In addition, the director of the SES has warned that one of the most vulnerable groups to suffer drowning is that of minors. For this reason, it has insisted that "You have to watch them and not leave them alone, especially in the pools".
Call 112 and basic CPR
Lastly, Arcos recalled that, in the event of witnessing a water accident, you should immediately notify 112. "If the technique is known, it is essential to start a basic cardiopulmonary resuscitation until the arrival of the health services. Technique, which can also be explained by telephone by one of the CICU coordinating doctors.", has added.
Experts insist that these accidents can be prevented and their consequences reduced by following minimum safety standards such as those described. It must be remembered that drowning can lead to death, but also serious sequelae such as lung damage or irreversible brain damage.
