Lifesaving Network: A European Alliance for
Preventing Drowning Through Lifesaving Sport
Lifesaving Network, is an international collaborative force championing the prevention of drowning and promoting the life-affirming sport of lifesaving. Its mission is to prevent drowning. It is endorsed by the ERASMUS-SPORT-2022-SSCP and funded by the European Union, brings together organizations from across Europe - each sharing the common goal of enhancing aquatic safety. Through education, training, and community engagement, it aims to raise awareness about the dangers of water and teach vital lifesaving skills. The partner-organizations from Greece, Slovenia, Poland, Serbia, Bulgaria, and Turkey are all committed to nurturing a culture of water safety and lifesaving sport that crosses borders and saves lives. They're driven by the belief that every life is precious and that every drowning is preventable.
Synopsis
Lifesaving Network is the drowning prevention program that boosts the development of organizations' capacities and expertise to support aquatic safety recreational education and promote lifesaving sports values. The project aims to foster synergy and establish a European network of organizations working on preventing drownings and promoting lifesaving sports. The partnership vision is to spread the water safety culture and connect, empower and engage actors in sport through their skills development to create a strong community of influential leaders capable of running successful lifesaving sports programmes and promoting its values.
The Partner Consortium
Greek Lifesaving Sports Association (Greece)
Cso Navissos (Serbia)
Association Walk Together (Bulgaria)
Karasu Genclik Ve Spor Kulubudernegi (Turkey)
The Novelty Hub (Slovenia)
Klub Sportwy Beniaminek 03 (Poland)
Welcome to a
journey of discovery and empowerment!
Whether
you're a seasoned swimmer or someone who just loves to enjoy the water's activities,
our campaign is for you. We're here to splash you with knowledge about the
risks and joys of aquatic recreation. From the silent dangers of drowning to
the thrill of engaging safely in activities in and around water, we're covering
it all.
Join us to
become a champion of water safety.
Dive into
the official website of Lifesaving Network!
This is your
ultimate online destination for fresh insights on enjoying aquatic recreation
safely and responsibly. Stay informed, stay safe, and make the most out of your
aquatic adventures with us.
Visit us now
at lifesaving-network – where the latest news and resources awaits you.
What happens
when it's water, not air, that surrounds you?
Every breath
counts, and every second matters! Drowning isn't just an incident, it's a
silent epidemic happening, which takes a large number of lives annually. Only
in traffic accidents are more people lost than in drowning. It’s more than just
statistics - it's about real lives, moments of panic where every second is
decisive. This is our call to awareness.
Let's dive
deep into understanding drowning, the silent whispers of dangers, and how each
one of us can stand as lifeguards on the shore of change.
Did you
know? Around 372.000 bright futures are lost to the silent depths of drowning,
with over half of these victims under 25. These are more than just numbers. They're
missed graduations, unwritten stories, and unfulfilled dreams. But there's hope
on the horizon!
Understanding
and prevention can turn the tide. Let's raise awareness, educate, and take
action together. Every life saved is a future preserved!
Men are
twice as likely to drown as women. But why is this the case?
Often, it
comes down to overestimating swimming skills, underestimating water currents,
and a higher likelihood of taking risks.
Be wise, be
careful and stay safe!
Attention parents
& guardians!
Drowning is the
third leading cause of death among kids under 15, while children aged 1-4 are
in the most vulnerable group. A startling number of these tragedies occur close
to home and in swimming pools.
Implementing
parental and adult supervision is the first line of defense. Adding barriers
around pools and ensuring children play in safe areas water can further
significantly reduce the risk.
Let's unite
in making safety a priority, ensuring our little ones grow up in a world where
they can play and explore safely. It takes a village to raise a child, and it
takes that same village to keep them safe.
Understanding
drowning risks is highly important in prevention!
Something as
simple as not knowing how to swim can dramatically increase your risk of
drowning. Whether it's adults or children, the lack of swimming skills is a
critical factor. Therefore, formal swimming lessons could be the lifesaver you
never thought you needed.
But there's
more to water safety than just swimming skills. Ignoring safety advice and
caution signs can turn a fun day into a tragedy. Different water environments
pose different risks, and being aware of them is key to prevention. Further,
drowning can happen quickly and in less water than you think, which is why
close supervision is non-negotiable. And let's talk about the risks that come
from a bottle - alcohol and drugs, including prescription medications. They can
severely impair your judgment and coordination, making water your enemy rather
than a source of fun.
Before you
jump in, just pause a second and consider these risks. Knowing is half the
battle won!
Living by
the water - a dream or a risk?
While the
serene view and calming sounds of living near water may seem like a dream come
true, it's important to consider the hidden risks. From unexpected flooding to
the impact of climate change, the waterside lifestyle comes with its own set of
challenges.
Understanding
the risks of living and spending time near water and how we can stay safe, ensure
that this natural beauties remains a paradise, not a hazard.
Rescuing a
drowning person often does not end with just pulling them out of the water and
resuscitating them. A staggering 40% of those who experience drowning are rushed
to the hospital, embarking on a critical journey that goes beyond the initial
rescue. Drowning incidents mostly lead to the need for specialized care.
This
statistic underscores the critical importance of water safety for everyone.
Therefore, let's dive into prevention, equip ourselves with lifesaving skills,
and ensure our waters are safe for everyone.
Did you know that moments of neglect can lead to a lifetime of consequences?
Drowning incidents can cause the ripple effects that can alter futures. Brain damage, long-term disabilities, and shattered dreams can emerge from what might seem like a moment of fun.
Join us in
spreading awareness and adopting safety measures around water bodies, making
every moment a safe one. Arm yourself with the knowledge and skills to stay
safe.
Just as a
life jacket keeps you afloat, preventing you from drowning in turbulent waters,
education serves as your true safeguard, guiding you safely through the waves
of challenges and uncertainties.
Education is
powerful. As we embrace the joys and thrills of aquatic recreation, it's
crucial to anchor ourselves in the knowledge that can keep us afloat. Knowing
how to swim and perform CPR can be as crucial against drowning as life jacket. But
this is not all. Recognizing the signs of danger, knowing how to respond to
them, and being aware of our own limits and capabilities is also important.
Further, lifesaving skills aren’t just for lifeguards. They're for teachers,
parents, teens, seniors - everyone.
Support our
mission to educate. Our campaign will bring these skills and knowledge to you.
Dive into
the world of Lifesaving sport!
Lifesaving
isn't just a skill, it's a sport! Encouraging fitness and safety, it's a
win-win for all. Ever heard of a sport that not only challenges your physical
limits but also prepares you to save lives? Welcome to Lifesaving Sport, a
unique blend of athleticism, strategy, and heroism.
Lifesaving
sport is more than the thrill of competition. Iit's a celebration of skills
that save lives. From thrilling rescue simulations to speed swimming and
lifesaving techniques, every aspect of this sport is designed to prepare
athletes for real-world emergencies.
Keep up with
our work and campaign to explore the incredible world of lifesaving sport,
where heroes are train to save lives.
Lifesaving
sport - where courage, knowledge and skills meet the waves!
magine a
sport where every practice, every competition, and every victory contributes to
saving lives. This is the essence of Lifesaving Sport, a deep-seated commitment
to reducing drowning worldwide. By spotlighting the importance of water safety
and lifesaving skills, Lifesaving Sport plays a crucial role in drowning
prevention, transforming participants into heroes both in and out of the water.
Lifesaving
Sport so vital in the fight against drowning because it equips athletes with not
just the physical prowess to excel in water sports, but also the critical
skills and quick-thinking abilities needed for effective water rescue. Through
rigorous training in swimming, lifesaving techniques, and simulated rescue
operations, participants become adept at responding to water emergencies,
making them invaluable assets in our communities.
Find nearest
Lifesaving sport association/club, and join us in the movement that’s a
testament to human courage, skill, and the relentless pursuit of making our
waters safer for everyone.
Let’s
uncover the core skills that set this sport apart. Meet the power of the
Lifesaving sport!
Each skill
in Lifesaving sport brings you closer to personal excellence and empowers you
with the capability to make a difference in the most critical moments. Each of
these skills begins with the basics, accessible to anyone with a passion for
saving lives and a willingness to learn.
Ever
wondering what are the decisive skills of a lifesaver? Let us present you some
of them and explain how you can learn them:
- Swimming proficiency
is the foundation of all lifesaving skills. Swimming proficiency in various
conditions prepares athletes for the unpredictable nature of open water.
Through structured training, you can enhance speed, endurance, and adaptability
to different aquatic environments.
- Rescue techniques
varies from the classic tow to the use of rescue boards and tubes. These
techniques are designed to efficiently save someone in distress. Training
involves simulated scenarios that teach quick decision-making and precise
execution under pressure.
- CPR and
First Aid are essential for any rescuer. These skills are taught through practical
training, equipping participants with the knowledge to provide immediate care
in emergency situations, potentially saving lives even before professional help
arrives.
Join the
journey towards becoming a community hero!
Understand
the power of water safety signs!
Water areas invite
us with the thrilling adventures, but they also demand our respect. Every pool,
beach, river, and lake comes with its own set of rules - not to restrict our
fun, but to ensure that our experiences remain safe and joyful.
Understanding
and obeying water safety signs is about protecting ourselves, our loved ones,
and everyone around us from potential dangers. These signs are there for a
reason. They are the silent guardians that guide us towards making informed and
safe choices. By learning to recognize these warning signs, we're not just
being cautious - we're being smart and proactive in preserving the joy of every
aquatic adventure.
Share this
message, spread awareness, and let's contribute to creating a safer environment
for all water enthusiasts.
Did you know
that drowning often doesn't look like what we see in movies?
It's
quieter, less dramatic, but deathly dangerous. Recognizing the signs of drowning
is crucial for timely rescue and prevention of tragedy. Let’s empower ourselves
with knowledge to keep our waters safe. What can be a signal someone is
drowning:
- Silence is
a Red flag! Individuals struggling to breathe aren't able to shout for help.
- A person
who is drowning often remains upright in the water, without evidence of a
supportive kick. They might appear to be trying to climb an invisible ladder.
- Instead of
waving for assistance, their arms may flap down at their sides, splashing, or they
try to press down on the water to lift themselves up for air.
- They might
seem to be swimming in place without making any headway, or they could be
floating face-down without any sign of movement.
- A look of
panic, wide eyes, or a mouth at water level that opens and closes as trying to
breathe, are key indicators.
Knowing what
to look for means saving a life could be in your hands. Understanding these
signs can be the difference between life and death. If you spot someone
displaying any of these behaviors, they might be in trouble.
Would you
know what to do if you witnessed a drowning?
When it
comes to water emergencies, the difference between life and death can hinge on
the immediate actions of those nearby. First responders are vital in the fight
against drowning. From recognizing the signs of drowning to employing safe
rescue and first aid techniques until professional help arrives, the initial
response can dramatically alter the outcome. Therefore, educating bystanders is
crucial.
If you spot
someone in trouble in the water, remember, your response could be their
lifeline. Here’s how to act:
- Respond
immediately by alerting a lifeguard or calling for emergency assistance if
you're not trained in water rescue. Use your voice to alert others nearby and
to encourage the person in distress.
- Call
emergency service and provide clear, specific information about your location.
Mention any known landmarks or GPS coordinates if available. The quicker the
emergency services can find you, the better the chances for the person in need.
Further, inform the dispatcher that it's a drowning incident, mention apparent
condition (conscious/unconscious) of victim, and if it is still in the water or
have been pulled to safety. The emergency dispatcher might give you
instructions and it is essential to follow them closely until help arrives.
- If safe to
do so, use anything at hand (a rope, lifebuoy, or even a floating object) to
reach out to the person. Ensure the area is safe for you and the victim. Never
attempt to enter the water unless you are trained! Doing so could result in two
victims instead of one.
- Offer
calming reassurances to the person in distress. If they're rescued, keep them
warm and monitor their condition until emergency services take over.
- If
necessary, perform CPR even if you are not trained.
Your
alertness and action can bring someone back to their loved ones!
Stay tuned
for more lifesaving tips.
Imagine
having the power to bring someone back from the brink of death with just your
two hands!
CPR
(Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation) is a lifesaving technique everyone should know,
capable of doubling or even tripling the chance of survival after cardiac
arrest. But why is CPR so crucial? It's a simple yet powerful procedure that
combines chest compressions with artificial ventilation to maintain circulatory
flow and oxygenation during cardiac emergencies.
If you ever
need it, just follow these advices to perform it safely:
- Ensure the
area is safe for you and the victim.
- Approach
the victim, gently tap the victim's shoulder and shout, 'Are you okay?' to
check responsiveness.
- If they
are not responding, lay the person on their back on a firm surface and kneel
beside their chest.
- Place the
heel of one hand on the center of the person's chest. Place your other hand on
top of the first. Keep your elbows straight and shoulders directly above your
hands. Use your body weight to compress the chest at least 5cm deep at a rate
of 100 to 120 compressions per minute. Think of the beat of the song “Stayin’
Alive” by the Bee Gees to keep your timing.
- Open the
victim's airway by tilting their head back slightly and lifting the chin. Pinch
the nose shut and make a complete seal over the person's mouth with yours. Blow
into the person’s mouth to make the chest rise. Give two breaths, each lasting
about one second.
- Repeat the
cycle of 30 chest compressions and 2 rescue breaths until emergency medical
help arrives or the person begins to respond.
Don’t let
fear hold you back. Embrace the opportunity to be someone’s hero!
Here are
essential tips to ensure your aquatic adventures are not just exciting but
secure:
- Strong
swimming skills are the foundation of water safety. If you’re not confident in
your ability to swim, consider taking lessons.
- Never swim
alone. Having a friend not only doubles the fun but also ensures help is at
hand should you need it.
- Know your fitness
level and swimming capabilities. Overestimating your stamina or skill in the
water can lead to exhaustion and danger.
- Warning
signs and flags are vital alerts about current conditions and potential
hazards. Obey them always to steer clear of unnecessary risks.
- Say no to alcohol
and drugs, because mixing water activities with intoxicants is a definite
no-go. Stay sharp, stay sober, and save the celebrations for after your aquatic
adventures.
Further, always
check weather conditions and water temperatures before setting out. Nature is
unpredictable, and being prepared is your first line of defense.
Remember,
the joy of aquatic recreation lies in the assurance that you and your loved
ones remain safe and sound!
Lifesavers -
the real-life heroes beyond the Baywatch glamour
Ever marvel
at the thrilling rescues and sun-kissed heroes of Baywatch?
Imagine the
real champions who walk among us, embodying the spirit of the iconic Pamela
Anderson and her teammates - not just for the cameras, but for the genuine,
lifesaving action where every second counts.
Today, we
celebrate the heroes of our beaches and pools - the Lifesavers. These dedicated
men and women are the embodiment of strength, courage, and unwavering
commitment, diving headfirst into danger to ensure our safety. Beyond the
allure of the red swimsuits and slow-motion runs lies the true essence of their
mission. Their vigilance, training, and quick actions have saved countless
lives.
Let’s
celebrate together!
Thank you to
everyone who has been a part of this incredible journey.
As we are
bringing close to the final of our Lifesaving Network campaign, we're filled
with gratitude and pride for the remarkable strides we've made together. This wasn't
just a campaign. It was, and still is a global movement, a collective effort to
spotlight the importance of drowning prevention and the vital role of lifesaving
sport and its competencies.
The journey
doesn't end here. The ripples we've created will continue to spread, inspiring
more individuals to embrace the lifesaving sport, learn vital water safety
skills, and join us in our mission to make the waters safer for all. As we close this chapter, let's open the new
one.
We invite all individuals, communities, and stakeholders to join us in this mission. Sopport us in a pledge to continue educating, advocating, and working tirelessly to prevent drowning across the globe.
Sources
Disclaimer
Funded by the European Union. Views
and opinions expressed are however those of the author(s) only and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union
or the European Education and Culture Executive Agency (EACEA).
Neither the European Union nor EACEA can be held responsible for them.
