With the sad news that Lazar Đukić, a competitor in a CrossFit event, drowned today I thought I would re-share the "Drowning doesn't look like drowning" article which is worth a read, particularly if your holiday plans include a beach, swimming pool or even a paddling pool.
Lazar drowned despite being surrounded by other competitors and safety people who didn't spot in time that he was in difficulty. There is a video of the competitors which shows him (in the distance) bobbing up and down rather than swimming. It's not a dramatic video - no-one seems to notice he's in trouble, but very sad to watch given the outcome (the video itself is not jump-scare 'frightening' in the sense that nothing much happens, but sadly that's rather the point).
Video: https://x.com/jsh_franco/status/1821659251707982095
Film-goers are usually presented with drowning as an active shouting and screaming for help kind of thing but the reality is so calm that someone can be drowning right next to you and you might not notice.
If you get in difficulty in water the advice is to lean back and float.
I've previously posted this article a couple of times but am starting a new thread as re-animating a zombie one doesn't always make sure that it's seen and I do think it's really important. That said the previous threads are worth a look as other people have contributed other useful safety tips in there too. I've just noticed that one was posted exactly four years ago!
• Drowning doesn't look like drowning - useful safety advice to be aware of (8 August 2020)
• Things that might save a life, the holiday edition :) (23 July 2018)
Another one from me - if you're staying in a hotel make sure you and everyone in your party knows where the fire exits are, particularly do you turn left or right for your nearest exit? It's probably quite easy to see under calm circumstances but might not be so clear in a smoke-filled corridor in the middle of the night. (Also do you know what a failing smoke alarm sounds like when the battery needs replacing? Here's a short video if not).
Safe travels or staycations
Jo