The triple digit holiday weekend and graduation celebrations call for pool parties in Southern Arizona.
But are you prepared to save a life if you see someone actively drowning?
RELATED: Remember the ABC's to avoid child drownings this Summer
City of Tucson Aquatics Program manager, Billy Sassi says every pool party should have a designated person watching the pool.
If someone is actively drowning at your pool party - do you know what to do?
I’ll have some tips tonight. Also, what NOT to do if someone is facedown in a pool and you can’t swim. pic.twitter.com/lNH3r3hWnj
— Jennifer Martinez (@Jennymartineztv) May 25, 2018
Every pool owner should have three things incase a person begins to drown:
- A Towel: Make sure you soak the towel and throw it to the person drowning. Once they grab on, stay low and secured and pull them into the ledge.
- A jug with a rope at least half the length of the pool: If a person is drowning throw the jug either in front or behind them. Once they grab on, pull them into the shallow area and/or ledge.
- A long stick: Begin with the stick on the side of the person - never in front of them. Once they have grabbed onto the stick pull them in.
- Floaties: for people to wear especially young children.
Sassi says, if someone is face-down it is important to not panic. Before attempting anything call 9-1-1. Often times, people will try to save the person and forget to call for backup.
If you're a swimmer - jump in and get the person out. "If someone is facedown - you may have to begin CPR as soon as you get them on the deck."
RELATED: 2-year-old boy drowns in Southside pool
But if you're not a swimmer, Sassi says to not jump in because it can be worse. "Don't ever jump in the water and go after someone because you can end up as a double drowning and that's even worse."
Instead get into the pool through shallow water and work your way to the person in danger and pull them out.
Sassi says, everyone should know how to give CPR.
For a list of CPR classes in Tucson, click here.
For a list of places to learn to swim, click here.
Follow News Reporter Jennifer Martinez on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter,
