Prevent drownings through education, awareness of hazards

Education and awareness underlie the best ways to prevent drowning, says Education and awareness underlie the best ways to prevent drowning, says Robert Newmyer, MD Robert Newmyer, MD, a pediatric critical care physician at Upstate Golisano Children‘s Hospital. Learning the basics of swimming and water safety is most important, and learning CPR too, if possible, explains Newmyer, who is a former lifeguard and swimming instructor. Other points he discusses include checking for potential hazards in a swimming area, the buddy system, the limits of lifeguards, the concept of “dry drowning” and how children perceive risk., a pediatric critical care physician at Upstate Golisano Children‘s Hospital. Learning the basics of swimming and water safety is most important, and learning CPR too, if possible, explains Newmyer, who is a former lifeguard and swimming instructor. Other points he discusses include checking for potential hazards in a swimming area, the buddy system, the limits of lifeguards, the concept of “dry drowning” and how children perceive risk.