Fire Rescue Corner - April
Enjoy summer swims, but caution is needed, too.
By Captain Jack Swerdloff, Miami-Dade Fire Rescue

Let's start thinking about summer swim safety. It is already heating up and that means lots of little swimmers are getting ready to take a dip. And that presents a lot of concern to Miami-Dade Fire Rescue (MDFR) water rescue divers. MDFR is a leader when it comes to water rescue response. Every unit is equipped with both skin and SCUBA rescue gear. But in order to save lives, we must work together and not ruin good times with a water tragedy.

You can start the summertime with safety by asking yourselves this question: Do I have a clear conscience that I have done everything possible to protect my friends and family? The unfortunate fact is that some south Florida mothers and fathers will shed tears this summer thinking of what they could have or should have done to prevent a devastating family tragedy. Do not let those tears come from you. As parents we do have the power to prevent many of the water accidents that take the lives of our most precious gifts, our children. With a little guidance from MDFR and your effort, we can make a difference.

Let's start with supervision. A majority of all drownings are caused by a lack of supervision. We must never take for granted the importance of adult supervision. Even when an adult is close by, they need to pay close attention to children swimming. Something as simple as phone call can distract a parent and can have tragic consequences.

I have vivid personal memories of being a young child and seeing my father (a retired MDFR Lieutenant) rush into a panic-filled crowd at the beach. I clearly remember the look of horror in people's faces. Although I did not directly see the mouth-to-mouth resuscitation my father had administered to a lifeless two-year-old child, its success was evident in the thanks he received prior to my family leaving. Not every mother and father is going to be that lucky this summer. You can and must work with MDFR crews to help ensure this is the safest summer ever.

Next month I'll have more personal safety tips from two MDFR firefighters who have spent countless years helping others in Miami-Dade to swim. Both Firefighter Robert Reddick and Firefighter Gerald Little will pass on their extensive experience next month, via this forum.

Monthly life-safety homework: Find time to watch the latest public safety announcements on Miami-Dade TV created by the MDFR public information office. Since seconds truly do count, the topics of how to clear the way for emergency vehicles and how to conspicuously post your home address numbers are covered there. Please help us, help you!

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