Use Common Sense to Prevent Drowning Accidents

by KYW's medical editor Dr. Brian McDonough

Every summer there are tragic reports of drownings. Many could have been prevented. Sadly, many people fail to take the necessary precautions to help avoid problems.

The most obvious is learning to swim and teaching kids to swim. Another is to be particularly careful at pool parties and avoid mixing alcohol and swimming. The last is to make certain you don't swim alone.

In these three situations, we see many accidental drownings. In many cases, all it takes is common sense. You need to realize there are dangers related to swimming and water. Certainly, there shouldn't be a way to take fun out of things like a day at the beach or the pool, but you need to be smart about it.

I think that's the major message I want to get across. Use common sense. Communication is crucial. Talk to your loved ones about it.