Almost six out of ten believe it takes up to one minute to drown, according to a Novus survey conducted on behalf of Trygg-Hansa and the Swedish Lifesaving Society. But it can happen as quickly as 20 seconds, according to Eva Schüler, water safety expert at Trygg-Hansa.
It's about such a small moment that can change life, she says.
She emphasizes that a drowning does not look like in the movies with people in panic waving their arms and shouting for help. It happens quietly and quickly.
What often happens when a person ends up under water is that you take a deep breath and get water in your lungs.
Parents stand too far away
More than half believe they have little knowledge of how to act in case of drowning, according to the survey. Four out of ten parents with children between 2 and 12 years old also feel stress from being responsible for other people's bathing children.
I think it's like with everything, stress can probably disappear if we have the knowledge and competence with us.
Almost all of the parents surveyed think they have a good grasp of their own children, but more than half admit that they have lost sight of them at some point.
More than half also state that they stand by the water's edge or on the jetty when they have supervision over the children. It's good intentions but not enough, according to Eva Schüler.
If you stand on the jetty or the shoreline, it takes longer than 20 seconds to reach a child who ends up under the surface. Small children should never be further away from an adult than arm's length.
"Worth it getting uncomfortable"
Three out of ten parents also believe that other parents often have poor supervision over their children. Eva Schüler understands that it can be awkward to say something, but emphasizes that it's a matter of life and death.
It can be done in a nice way, to actually remind that it can go very fast if a drowning occurs. It may be worth it getting uncomfortable for a short while.
If you are at a public bathing place, you should first look for where the nearest liferaft is located.
Do not bathe alone. Children should be at arm's length from an adult.
If you are several adults bathing with children, you can appoint an adult who is responsible for supervision and take turns with the responsibility.
If you are on the beach together, the focus should be on spending time with each other, put away your mobile phone and book.
Set clear rules even for older children. Decide where they are allowed to bathe and how long they are allowed to be in the water.
Source: Eva Schüler, water safety expert at Trygg-Hansa
