5 Myths: Debunking Misconceptions about Drowning

Drowning is a leading cause of death worldwide, and Singapore is not exempted from this statistic. With the abundance of swimming pools and beaches in the country, it is crucial to learn how to swim and prevent drowning accidents. However, there are many misconceptions about drowning that may hinder people from taking Singapore swimming lessons. In this article, we will debunk some of these misconceptions and shed light on what drowning really is.

Myth 1: Drowning is Loud and Obvious Many people believe that drowning involves loud screaming and flailing of arms, which is often portrayed in movies and TV shows. However, in reality, drowning is usually silent and subtle. When someone is drowning, their body instinctively tries to conserve oxygen, which means that they cannot scream for help or call out for assistance. Additionally, their body is focused on trying to stay above water, which means that they may not have enough energy to wave their arms or legs frantically. In fact, drowning victims may appear calm and have a blank expression on their face, which is why it is important to look out for other signs of distress, such as a person’s head being tilted back, gasping for air, or appearing to be in a vertical position in the water.

Myth 2: People who can swim cannot drown While knowing how to swim can certainly help prevent drowning accidents, it does not make someone immune to drowning. Even experienced swimmers can get into trouble if they are not cautious or if they overestimate their abilities. For example, someone who is used to swimming in a pool may not be prepared for the strong currents and waves at the beach. Similarly, someone who is not used to swimming in cold water may experience hypothermia and lose the ability to swim effectively. It is important to always be aware of one’s surroundings and to never take unnecessary risks.

Myth 3: You can always tell if someone is drowning As mentioned earlier, drowning can be a silent and subtle process, and it may not always be easy to tell if someone is in distress. Furthermore, children and inexperienced swimmers may not be able to recognize the signs of drowning themselves, which means that they may not know when to ask for help. As a result, it is important for parents and guardians to supervise children when they are in or around water and to look out for any signs of distress. This includes making sure that children are within arm’s reach and that they are wearing appropriate flotation devices.

Myth 4: If someone is drowning, you should swim out and rescue them While the instinct to help someone who is in distress is commendable, it is important to do so safely. Swimming out to someone who is drowning can put both the rescuer and the victim in danger, especially if the rescuer is not a trained lifeguard. Instead, it is recommended to first shout for help or call for emergency services, and then try to reach the person using a flotation device or a long object such as a pole or a rope. If the situation is urgent and there is no other option but to swim out, it is important to approach the person from behind and to keep a safe distance from their arms and legs, which may inadvertently push the rescuer underwater.

Myth 5: Drowning only happens in deep water Contrary to popular belief, drowning can occur in any body of water, regardless of its depth. This includes swimming pools, hot tubs, lakes, rivers, and even bathtubs. In fact, children can drown in as little as 2 inches of water, which means that it is important to always supervise children when they are in or around water, regardless of its size or location.

At Sgswimclasses, we believe that swimming is an important life skill that everyone should have the opportunity to learn. Whether you want to swim for fun, fitness, or safety, we'll help you achieve your goals in a safe and supportive environment.

So, if you're ready to take the plunge and learn how to swim in Singapore, come swim with us at Sgswimclasses! We can't wait to help you achieve your goals in the water.