2023-07-28 12:00:07
It is important to be aware of the risks involved in a bad headlong dive, since the consequences can range from minor fractures to serious spinal cord injuries or even drowning. According to alarming data from the Spinal Cord Injury Foundation, approximately 6% of spinal cord injuries occur due to reckless diving, mainly in people under 30 years of age and in the aforementioned summer months.
The Ministry of Health has launched an information campaign aimed at the population, with the aim of raising awareness about the importance of enjoying a safe bath during the summer and avoiding drowning and injuries in aquatic environments. Drownings represent a significant public health problem, but with appropriate behavior and measures on beaches, swimming pools and other bathing places, these incidents can be prevented.
According to data from the Ministry of Health, the figures for drowning are alarming, since in 2019 it is estimated that around 236,000 people worldwide died from this cause. In Spain, according to data from the National Institute of Statistics (INE), in 2021 510 people died as a result of submersion and drowning in the aquatic environment. Among the most affected groups in our country are those over 80 years of age, followed by the groups of 75-79 years and 70-74 years, as well as young people between 20 and 24 years of age.
Some recommendations to enjoy a safe bath include:
Make sure pools have lifeguards and watch children at all times. Avoid running and pushing other people to the edge of the pool, as this can cause injury. Wear a life jacket if you cannot swim properly, and avoid swimming. alcohol consumption before swimming.Respect the flags on the beach and follow the instructions of the lifeguards.Do not bathe in areas where bathing is prohibited.Always swim in company, especially if you are elderly or have health problems.Avoid bathing at night, since it represents a risk without visibility.Know basic first aid to respond adequately in case of emergencySilgar beach in Sanxeno, crowdedLavandeira jrEFE
Hospitals such as the Universitari Vall d’Hebron admit between two and five people each year, between the ages of 15 and 35, who have suffered spinal cord injuries while diving into different aquatic environments, such as beaches, swimming pools, rivers, swamps or lakes. Injuries occur mainly when the head hits the bottom, objects or the surface of the water due to the high speed of jumping from a considerable height. If the blow affects the cervical area, the consequences can be fatal, such as immediate paralysis and drowning, complete or incomplete tetraplegia, hemiplegia or head injuries.
To avoid these accidents, it is essential to take some simple precautions and be aware of the risk before jumping into the water:
Make sure there is enough depth in relation to the height of the jump and explore the area before diving.Avoid diving in cloudy or low-visibility waters, as they can hide dangerous objects.Use caution in rivers, swamps and places where the bottom can change or there are hidden objects.Jump with arms outstretched and hands in front, protecting the head and neck.Avoid diving from high places, such as trees or balconies, if you do not have adequate training.Do not bathe in unsuitable water or where jet skis or boats circulate. If you have any doubts or insecurity, do not dive. Madrid’s swimming pools open their doors on May 13 Alejandro Martínez Vélez EUROPAPRESS
Last year, 37 minors between the ages of 0 and 17 died from drowning in Spain, according to data from the National Drowning Report (INA) issued by the Royal Spanish Federation of Rescue and First Aid.
In critical condition a child under the age of two found in a pool in Estepona (Málaga) EUROPAPRESS
If we witness an accident of this type, it is crucial to exercise caution and follow these tips:
Remove the person from the water carefully and place them on a rigid surface, moving them like a block to avoid cervical and spinal injuries. Check that the person can breathe and, if not, try to free the airway. Call 911 (112) /061) and follow their instructions.Never transport the person in a private car, as it can worsen the injury.With these prevention and responsibility measures, tragedies can be avoided and safe moments can be enjoyed in the water during the summer.
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