The American Red Cross Monday issued a safety alert following the Sunday morning drowning of a Pine Bluff child.
Jefferson County authorities identified the child as 13-year-old Dennis Johnson Jr. of Pine Bluff.
“Our thoughts and condolences are with the family as they mourn the loss of their child,” said Katie Dailey, Red Cross’ Arkansas health and safety manager.“The heartbreak of such a loss is not only felt within the family, but those people far away from the Pine Bluff community.”
A recent American Red Cross survey revealed almost half of those polled nearly drowned in their lifetime. One in five individuals who drown is a child 14 years old and younger.
To reduce the probability of another drowning, the Red Cross encourages everyone to become knowledgeable and trained in water safety.
Independent reporting for Pine Bluff & Jefferson County since 1879.
There is also concern with people understanding the correct way to help swimmers in distress.
“Our first instinct is to jump in and help someone who may in danger of drowning.” Dailey said. “Knowing the safe way to help them can prevent the rescuer from also becoming a victim.”
A few water safety tips include:
• Only swim in designated areas supervised by lifeguards.
• Always swim with a buddy; do not allow anyone to swim alone.
• Never leave a young child unattended near water. Do not trust a child’s life to another child.
• Have appropriate equipment, such as reaching or throwing equipment to pull a swimmer to safety and a cell phone to call 911.
• Enroll in a Red Cross water safety, first aid/CPR course to learn how to respond to emergencies
Details: Visit www.arkansasredcross.org under Be Prepared.