American Red Cross Lifesaving Water Safety Advice:        
“Have Fun This Summer Without Taking a Vacation From Safety

Summer is a wonderful time of year; children and parents look forward to outdoor activities at the pool, lake and beach.  Yet accidents can happen if families take a vacation from safety.  The good news is that most water tragedies can be prevented, if everyone remembers the basic rules of water safety.

“The American Red Cross of Lebanon County reminds everyone to have fun this summer without taking a vacation from safety,” says Hayes Eschenmann, Health Services Director.  “These tips will help keep everyone healthy and safe in or around the water”:

Learn to swim and swim well.  One of the best things anyone can do to stay safe in and around the water is learn to swim.  No one, including adults, should ever swim alone.  Adults should practice “reach supervision” which means to be within arm’s length of a child in case an emergency occurs. 

 Outfit everyone with the proper gear.  Kids – and even adults – who are not strong swimmers or who appear to rely on inflatable toys for safety should use U.S. Coast Guard approved personal flotation devices (PFDs) whenever they are in or around the water.  “This lifesaving lightweight plastic equipment when used properly can help save lives,” says [insert chapter spokesperson].  Everyone, including strong swimmers, should use an approved PFD when boating.  Each person should have the appropriate personal flotation device for his or her weight and size, which is found clearly marked inside the label near the Coast Guard stamp.  “A great idea is to make a family day out of learning the rules of water safety and shopping for durable safety equipment together at a local pool supply store or mass distributor,” [insert chapter spokesperson] suggests.

 Always keep basic lifesaving equipment by the residential pool and know how to use it.  A first aid kit, cordless phone, phone list with emergency contact information, a reaching pole and a ring buoy with a nylon line attached are recommended. First aid kits should contain plastic face shields, which can help prevent disease transmission.  Cordless phones allow you to make that 9-1-1 call and to receive calls without leaving the area. 

 Pack a “safety” bag for a day at the beach or lake.  “The properly packed safety bag will help ensure a fun day in which everyone comes home safe and sound.”  Water-proof sunscreen with an SPF 15 or higher, water shoes to keep feet safe from the heat and sharp objects on land and plenty of water are musts.  All containers should be plastic to prevent injuries from breaking glass.  Also, a hat and sunglasses keep eyes safe from dangerous UV rays.

 Learn Red Cross first aid and CPR.  “While the above tips can help prevent emergencies, it is important to know what to do if a situation arises,” says [insert chapter spokesperson].  And all caregivers, including grandparents, older siblings and babysitters should have these lifesaving skills.  

For more information on staying safe in and around the water visit www.redcross.org or contact the American Red Cross chapter. 

Did You Know…

·         When a person’s heart stops, brain death occurs in as little as 8 -10 minutes.

·         The national average response time for an ambulance is 10 minutes. Most communities have a standard of eight minutes, but a response time may be as long as 12-15 minutes.

·         Research shows that the shorter the time from collapse to when CPR is initiated and the first shock from an automated external defibrillator (AED) is given, the greater the chance of survival of cardiac arrest.

 CPR Made Simple

The American Red Cross CPR/AED course provides individuals with the critical skills that may help them save the life of a family member, friend or co-worker.  Lecture is kept to a minimum so that participants can focus on hands-on practice of CPR/AED skills.

 It is easy for anyone to learn the basics of CPR/AED…helping everyday people save lives.  Contact Hayes Eschemann at 273-2671 for upcoming training courses.  Classes are scheduled every month.

 Caption for picture:  Volunteer Millie Hernandez taught a CPR course to members of the English as a Second Language class at IU-13.  With students who speak Spanish, French and Arabic, Millie taught the class in English. 

 

Students Bleed Blue And Gray

 

                        Photo courtesy of the Cedar Crest Yearbook Staff

 Pictured are the members of the Future Business Leaders of America at Cedar Crest High School.  They sponsor a blood drive twice a year with the Red Cross.  It was held most recently on March 29, 2010.  The students organize, plan, promote and volunteer the day of the drive.  Many of the club’s members also donate blood that day.  The March blood drive collected 95 units of blood, which could potentially save up to 285 lives! The next blood drive the students will hold is tentatively scheduled for November 10, 2010 with a Veteran’s Day theme of, “Some Gave All…You Can Spare a Pint.”

 

  Helping your contribution go farther.

You contribute to the American Red Cross to help your neighbors in times of disaster. That’s why Red Cross Chapters are always looking for ways to make your donations do more.

In order to do this, the American Red Cross of Lebanon County has partnered with other Central Pennsylvania Chapters to handle your gift through one processing center. This saves money on mailings and administrative costs and directs more of your dollars to saving lives and helping victims of disaster.

You will notice that our return envelopes will now be addressed:

American Red Cross of Lebanon County Processing Center

P.O. Box 61977

Harrisburg, PA 17106-1977

But rest assured that your gift will be used by your local Chapter to help your neighbors. For more information, contact us at (717) 273-2671

www.lebanonredcross.org