Water competency: the swimming skills that keep you alive, and Japan's 'float and wait'

CDC estimates about 4,000 fatal unintentional drownings a year in the United States, an average of 11 a day, plus about 8,000 nonfatal drownings. More children ages 1 to 4 die from drowning than any other cause of death. Drowning happens in seconds and is often silent. Most of us learn to swim in a pool; real accidents happen in lakes, rivers and the ocean, often fully clothed.

Water competency

The American Red Cross defines water competency as being able to enter the water, get a breath, stay afloat, change position, swim a distance, and then get out of the water safely. A Red Cross chapter puts numbers on the skills:

1. Enter water that is over your head and return to the surface.
2. Float or tread water for at least 1 minute to catch your breath and conserve energy.
3. Turn completely around in a 360-degree circle to orient yourself toward safety.
4. Swim at least 25 yards (the length of a standard pool) to find an exit.
5. Exit the water safely, even without a ladder.

CDC says formal swimming lessons can reduce the risk of drowning.

Prevention (CDC)

• Life jackets reduce the risk of drowning while boating for people of all ages and swimming abilities. Children should use them for all activities in and around natural water.
• Air-filled or foam toys are not safety devices.
• Lakes, rivers and oceans have hidden hazards: currents, waves, rocks, vegetation and limited visibility.
• Always swim with a buddy, and choose sites with lifeguards when possible.
• Alcohol impairs judgment, balance and coordination.

If you fall in: float

The Japan Coast Guard's English Water Safety Guide says that if it's difficult to reach land on your own, float in a relaxed position and wait for rescue. Only about 5% of your body stays above the surface in seawater (about 2% in freshwater), so if you're barely floating without a life jacket, waving your arms vigorously can make you sink. Floating lets you keep breathing, calm down, look around and decide what to do next. In Japan this is taught as uite mate, "float and wait": relax, hold your breath in rather than exhaling, lie on your back with your ears in the water, lift your chin and spread your arms and legs (8th Region Coast Guard leaflet, in Japanese).

Rip currents (NWS)

• Relax. Rip currents don't pull you under.
• Don't swim straight for shore; swim along the shoreline until you escape the current's pull.
• If you can't reach shore, relax, face the shore, and call or wave for help.
• Rip currents often form on calm, sunny days.

The Japan Coast Guard gives the same advice (swim parallel to the shore) and adds: if you can't swim out, float and wait for rescue. It also warns that even knee-deep water with a strong current can sweep away an adult.

If someone else is in trouble: reach or throw, don't go

The Red Cross warns never to jump in after a drowning person, because panic can make them pull you under. Reach out with something long, or throw something that floats. Its leaflet suggests keeping reaching and throwing equipment on hand, even a water jug tied to a rope. And call for help: the chapter post says to notify lifeguards or dial 911 immediately.

At camp (our suggestions)

• Pack properly fitted life jackets for kids; the Japan Coast Guard recommends ones with crotch straps for children.
• Choose campsites away from fast water, and set a rule that nobody swims alone.
• Keep a throwable float or a jug and rope near the water.