Friday, 18 August 2017
Saturday, 21 August 2010
The Lure of Technology: Can it Improve Pool Safety?
The Lure of Technology: Can it Improve Pool Safety?
Robert Keig Stallman, Torril Hindmarch, Bente Laakso
In July of 2017, a wrist worn alarm was introduced in Norway, based on the idea that an alarm is sounded and received electronically if a person remains still and underwater for a preset time. This is an interesting invention. Perhaps it can improve safety, in which case it is welcome. We support any contribution to reducing the number of drownings. There are however, two sides to this issue. Several aspects of pool safety are relevant when considering the contribution to safety of any of the several, now available technological devices. (a) Such technology (also e.g. underwater video), was never meant as a substitute for surveillance by caregivers and lifeguards. The most common cause of child drowning is insufficient surveillance from caregivers. For one who cannot swim, the caregiver should be in the water and within arm’s length of the child. (b) When lifeguards are present, both caregiver and guards are responsible. The worst case scenario is when each of these thinks the other has full control. Each becomes less observant. This is common. These technical devices cannot improve safety unless all other preventive measures remain in place, e.g. that lifeguards and caregivers have full surveillance as if such devices were unavailable. Caregivers and guards often change their behavior when these devices are in place. What is won on one side, is lost on the other. Total safety is not increased! (c) During media coverage of wrist alarms in Norway, caregivers and employees said “now we are safer!” Not necessarily! See the discussion above. These comments show that attitudes had changed. The device was overrated. Responsibility had been transferred to the device. (d) The greatest part of safety is prevention. These technical devices are based on the premise that an alarm is sounded or picture displayed AFTER THE FACT rather than before it happens. Prevention has been inadequate. Surveillance has been inadequate. In a well conducted facility, the alarm or picture of a person lying helplessly on the bottom should never appear. It may already be too late! (e) In a pool, surveillance should be focused on the surface and the bottom. Prevention is most effective on the surface, before a potential victim ever reaches the bottom. These technical devices are based on reacting when someone is on the bottom, after it may be too late. The highly experienced guard can see that something is not right, almost predict that something is about to happen. When the alarm sounds, someone has not done their job properly! We wish you all safe swimming. Please think safety. Do not transfer responsibility to either other person(s) or to the gadget. When caregiver and lifeguard both assume 100% responsibility, we have 200% coverage. If the technical device adds a bit more, GREAT!
Citation: Stallman, R.K., Hindnarch, T., and Laakso, B. (2017). The Lure of Technology: Can it Improve Pool Safety? In: Avramidis S. (Ed.). Conference on Near-Death Experiences while Drowning (p. 30). Ft. Lauderdale, Florida, USA: International Swimming Hall of Fame.
More here: https://drowningnde.blogspot.com/p/lectures.html
The Fourth Dimension: A Challenge to Teachers - Write it Down!
The Fourth Dimension: A Challenge to Teachers - Write it Down!
Robert Keig Stallman, Per-Ludvik Kjendlie, Bente Laakso
Here
we address a “fourth dimension”. For those of you who take observation,
evaluation and feedback seriously, this fourth dimension is registration. By registering what we
have observed and evaluated, our pedagogical instincts can be verified or
rejected. Each new pupil and each new educational question, is a new challenge.
We address each new challenge with curiosity. We constantly ask questions. Our
questions can often be answered by simple manipulation of the information we
register. You can join the team who would love
to help you answer your questions. When you do A what are the learning results?
How does this compare to B? If so inclined, you can do much yourself.
Continuous
evaluation is an integral part of teaching. Your teaching is greatly enhanced
by evaluating systematically. This gives the learner continuous feedback on the
mastery process. It can be done discreetly so that it becomes part of the
learner’s private mastery profile. We are not necessarily “testing” the pupils.
We simply assign some tasks which are objective, measurable. We observe,
evaluate and record them. They become simply another learning task. This
becomes so routine that learners are often unaware of being evaluated. Of
course, in some cases we tell them what we are doing when we feel that it can
enhance motivation.
Permit
two examples. The Cities of Lillehammer and Sandefjord, in Norway, have had the
same coordinators of school swimming for many years. Swimming instruction is
compulsory in the Norwegian primary school. The coordinators have instituted a
system which gives children feedback on not only how they are doing in the
mastery process, but on how they perform when evaluated on measurable tasks. To
enhance the feeling of the learner that a task allowing objective evaluation is
simply part of the learning process, it is often down played though systematic
and objective. It is simply part of learning and teaching.
In
this way, the coordinators and their team of teachers, have amassed an
impressive data base. Over the past 15
years, simple manipulation of some of these numbers has helped them answer some
of their questions. Knowing more about how their pupils have mastered the
essential tasks, helps the schools do it even better next time.
Join
us! We want to answer questions. We want to do it better. We need your help.
Citation: Stallman, R.K.,
Kjndlie, P-Ll, and Laakso, B. (2017). The Fourth Dimension: A Challenge to
Teachers - Write it Down. In: Avramidis S.
(Ed.). Conference on Near-Death
Experiences while Drowning (p. 29). Ft. Lauderdale, Florida, USA:
International Swimming Hall of Fame.
Don't Croak on the River
Don't Croak on the River
The Hoosier Canoe and Kayak Club
No one knows what prompted 25-year-old Ethan and his girlfriend to paddle the swollen White River in Indianapolis IN on February 14, 2009. Ethan was a survivalist and a canoeist and taught classes on the subject. The river was receding from flood stage but still flowing fast as the couple was about to complete their 6-mile paddle. Then tragedy struck as they were trying to negotiate the takeout. The fast current took them into a debris field/strainer and capsized their boat, trapping and ultimately sending Ethan downstream. His girlfriend, miraculously, was able to swim to shore. Ethan’s body was not discovered until Easter Sunday, 2 months later. Perhaps a temporary lapse of judgment or over confidence played a part in this tragedy. (We cannot judge). Maybe wearing a life jacket or dressing for the water would have made a difference. (We will never know) … This was a terrible outcome. But isn’t that what an accident is: an unintentional outcome followed by a hopeful solution? Well, that’s what the Hoosier Canoe and Kayak Club thought when we heard this heartbreaking story: “Let’s be part of the solution” so that no other person becomes part of the story. The club organized a safety committee and began brainstorming ways to deliver water safety materials to the public. We reached out to the Runnels’ family to show our support and to help, in some way, to alleviate many preventable accidents on the water. The family offered to help fund this educational safety effort, while a very talented young Herron art school student authored the collaborative design effort with her fanciful and humorous art. What resulted was some serious teaching materials presented in a playful depiction of how NOT to ‘Croak on the River.’ We learned only after his death, that Ethan would have enjoyed the playful artistry of this poster, as his students commented how he always injected humor in his survivalists’ teachings. We can only assume that Ethan may have been channeling through our safety committee to help create our poster…We will continue to invigorate our educational campaign. This poster is not copyrighted. Copies are available to interested parties to help promote paddling safety, as long as poster is left in its original format and providing credit to the Hoosier Canoe and Kayak Club.
Citation: The Hoosier Canoe and Kayak Club. (2017). Don't Croak on the River. In: Avramidis S. (Ed.). Conference on Near-Death Experiences while Drowning (p. 28). Ft. Lauderdale, Florida, USA: International Swimming Hall of Fame.
More here: https://drowningnde.blogspot.com/p/lectures.html
Buoys Within Bathing Spaces May Enhance Water Safety
Buoys Within Bathing Spaces May Enhance Water Safety
Sotiris Bouzianis
Introduction: According to the 2014 World Health Organization report, Greece ranks 6th within EU28 in fatal drownings (more than 400 people/year, i.e. a village is lost by drowning). This causes huge and multiplying effects upon the state, society, family and work. Most fatalities take place at sea. The lifeguard presence and the designated with buoys area are proved inadequate safety measures. Aim: To create places within the bathing area where a tired swimmer may find a place to rest, for drowning prevention. Method: (1) I patented the idea of placing buoys within the marked bathing area (figure 1). Buoys may be bought by sponsors, whose logo will appear on the buoys. The sponsor could also cover the total or a portion of the lifeguard's salary, enhancing more in the safety of the aquatic facility, especially in towns or countries where the reason of not hiring lifeguards is the lack of money. As suggested by Pantelis Avramidis since 2007, some buoys could have detachable rescue tubes/cans to be used if needed (figure 2). (2) My patent was endorsed by Dr. Stathis Avramidis, Officer of the Hellenic CDCP. (3) I submitted proposals to the Hellenic Ministries of Shipping and Tourism (February 13, 2014 and May 4, 2017). (4) I met and discussed the idea with Ms. Dafni Batsara, Cabinet Head of the Minister of Shipping. (5) A pilot implementation of the patent will take place during the 3rd National Pan-Hellenic Lifesaving Sport Championship that will be held in October 13-14, 2017 by the Hellenic Federation of Underwater Activity. (6) Several organizations will be approached to endorse it. (7) An application will be made to spread the idea progressively on a national level, so all beaches (guarded and unguarded) may get an extra layer or protection against drowning. Summary: Bathers are at risk, can hold on to one of these safety islets until seen by the lifeguard. It is hoped that the implementation of the idea, both nationally and internationally, will enhance the general feeling of safety and decrease drowning.
Citation: Bouzianis, S. (2017). Buoys Within Bathing Spaces May Enhance Water Safety. In: Avramidis S. (Ed.). Conference on Near-Death Experiences while Drowning (p. 27). Ft. Lauderdale, Florida, USA: International Swimming Hall of Fame.
Landmark Events from the Evolution of Lifesaving Sport in Greece: 1899-2017
Landmark Events from the Evolution of Lifesaving Sport in Greece: 1899-2017
Stathis Avramidis
Introduction: Lifesaving sport is a growing sport that attracts the attention of media and athletes internationally. I present the landmark events that contributed to the development of lifesaving sport (LS) in Greece. Method: I implemented a literature that of historical archives, books, press news, videos, and letters that demonstrate some short of activity of Greeks either in Greece or abroad in LS. Results: 1899: King George the 1st, orders the approval of the constitution of the Swimming Club of Athens-Piraeus, in which, his President, P. Nastos, initiated boating and obstacle swim competitions (events that are part of the today's LS Championships). 1973+1975: S. Zigoris participates in the World LS Championships in Italy and Bulgaria respectively, as athlete of the National LS National Team of Bulgaria. 1981: L. Bistarakis and C. Gatsis (Hellenic Red Cross) organize a competition in the Town of Patra. 1982-4: T. Kasimis competes in 3 tournaments in the USA. 1990: Mrs. R. Anagnostou gets gold medal in Manikin Tow at the World Goodwill Masters Games in Morocco. 1996: L. Stefanakis participates in open water LS tournament in Bulgaria and comes first. 1998: The Avramidis brother and sister finish 3rd and 2nd respectively in their groups in the multinational competition "Iron Guard" (Cyprus). 1998: V. Vihou and N. Sahinian (PASHNA) organize open water LS competition. S. Xenakis and T. Stratos (Nautical Club of Chania) organize LS championship with pool and open water events, endorsed by the Ministry of Commercial Navy (Chania). 1999: Stathis and Eleftheria Avramidis train with the National Squad Team of RLSS UK (Leeds). 2000: The Hellenic Red Cross becomes full-member of the International Life Saving Federation. 2001: T. Emmanouelides (MLS), T. Bellios and V. Tsabazis (UGL) organize LS competition (Thessaloniki). 2002: E. Avramidou graduates from Leeds Metropolitan University with dissertation on LS. 2006: K. Bakandreas, N. Giovanidis, T. Katsarou and A. Helmi compete in "Rescue 2006" as National Team (Australia). 2008: F. Kenis (ILS) teaches LS at the Hellenic Red Cross in Patra. 2012: Dr. Avramidis is honored again by the International Swimming Hall of Fame for his contributions. M. Makridakis (PSL) organizes LS competition assisted by M. Bikof (LHTC). 2014: V. Plekis competes as athlete of Jacksonville Club in 4 competitions and finishes 5th overall at the United States Lifesaving Association's National Championship (NLSC). The Hellenic Federation of Underwater Activity (EOUDA) hosts its first LS seminar (Naval Academy). S. Avramidis competes in SOBRASA Rescue. 2015: LS is included in the National Water Safety Program by the Hellenic Ministry of Health. EOUDA conducts the inaugural NLSC. 2016: EOUDA conducts the 2nd NLSC, attended by the Princess Charlene of Monaco Foundation. LS is introduced in Higher Education as elective module in the University of Athens, recommended by Dr. Helen Soultanakis and taught by Dr. Avramidis. 2017: S. Andriopoulos and G. Margiolakis (Military Sport Secretariat) include LS in the military games, in collaboration with EOUDA. The Ministry of Education approves for 3rd year LS projects in primary schools. The book "LS" is published. Avramidis participates in the USLA Championship. Summary: Greece has over a century of lifesaving sport activities. Many things remain in order to be done.
Citation: Avramidis, S. (2017). Landmark Events from the Evolution of Lifesaving Sport in Greece: 1898-2017. In: Avramidis S. (Ed.). Conference on Near-Death Experiences while Drowning (p. 26). Ft. Lauderdale, Florida, USA: International Swimming Hall of Fame.
Review of the Historical Evolution of Drowning Prevention Legislation: Greece 13,385 BC-2016 AD
Review of the Historical Evolution of Drowning Prevention Legislation: Greece 13,385 BC-2016 AD
Stathis Avramidis
Introduction: According to the World Health Organization's 2014 Drowning Report, death by drowning ranks Greece 6th within the 28-members of the European Union and 39th among 116 countries. Undoubtedly, one of its cases is the legislation. Aim: To review the historical evolution of the aquatic accident prevention (AAP) legislation in Greece the last 124 centuries (13,385 B.C.-2016 A.D.), divided in 10 historical periods, and to gain lessons for use by public health and aquatic safety professionals that seek to revise the law in any country. Method: (1) Literature review of 307 references of the current legislation in Greece and international standards, using as key words "rescue", "lifeguarding", "legislation", "law", "drowning", "aquatic accidents" in 10 data bases, (2) review of documents submitted formally at the Hellenic Ministry of Health, (3) and comments on draft legislations by citizens and organizations that participated in the national debate about the legislation revision were evaluated. Summary: (1) In Greece during each era, at least one reason enhanced drowning leaving people unprotected (e.g. ancient Greeks attributed divine origin to drowning and thus, they did nothing to prevent it; in the Turkish and the Byzantium Period the "justice" allowed the ruler to drown people as means of punishment; in any period, those that tried to change the law were taunted, disputed or taken to the court as if they sought to damage their country. This attitude is explained by Plato's "Allegory of the Cave"). (2) The process of producing new legislation is extremely slow (e.g. it took 130 years to adapt inflatable baby bath seats as opposed of using pumpkins as inflatable means for children, 73 years to form officially requirements for founding lifeguard agencies, 113 and 140 years to hire officially beach and pool lifeguards respectively, and 115 years to include swimming in the curriculum of the primary school education). (3) Since the formal establishment of the contemporary Greek nation in 1833 A.D., several ministries issued at least 34 laws, decrees, and other legal acts about lifeguarding/water safety. This plethora of legislations shows some activity that is disorganized and often false adopted (lifeguards are hired without the necessary certifications or equipment etc.). (4) The governing officers that are authorized by law to control the operation of the lifeguard agencies and the aquatic facilities lack expertise. (5) It seems more realistic to divide a national legislation draft in 3 parts than to enforce the voting of its whole at the Greek parliament because it will require the approval by less ministers each time. The governing/ministerial leadership changes constantly, and thus, their agenda too, making difficult the effort to update the legislation (I reached the 11th year trying to change the AAP legislation in Greece). (6) The revision of a legislation requires right timing, lack of higher priorities in the political agenda, goodwill, funding and a visionary that will dedicate time and energy to connect the dots disregarding the obstacles.
Citation: Avramidis, S. (2017). Review of the Historical Evolution of Drowning Prevention Legislation in Greece 13,385 BC - 2016 AD. In: Avramidis S. (Ed.). Conference on Near-Death Experiences while Drowning (p. 25). Ft. Lauderdale, Florida, USA: International Swimming Hall of Fame.
“History Lessons” - Part 2: Decoding the Risk Taking Behavior of Historical Figures that Drowned
“History Lessons” - Part 2: Decoding the Risk Taking Behavior of Historical Figures that Drowned
Stathis Avramidis, Stavros Patrinos
We assessed biographies of notable historical figures (HFs), who inspired the literature making significant positive/negative contributions to humanity, died by drowning and whether risk taking behavior (RTB) was involved. Method: With a convenient/criterion sampling we identified HFs (n=554) that drowned during the periods of Ancient History (-500A.D.; 13, 2.39%), Middle Ages (501A.D.-1500A.D.; 34, 6.25%) and Modern History (1501A.D.–today; 497, 91.36%). HF were athletes; authors/poets; artists (actors, composers, painters, musicians, models, cinematographers); entrepreneurs, businessmen, directors; religious figures; military personnel and prisoners of war; royal people (kings, princes, emperors, sultans, barons, lords); aquatic professionals; folk figures; philanthropists; goodwill ambassadors; charity people; photographers, journalists, press, radio professionals; politicians and country leaders; scientists, academics, teachers; clerks, carpenters, secretary, salesmen, merchants, guides, servants; lawyers, architects, inventors, designers; race car drivers, stuntmen; criminals (drag lords, murderers, pirates). Statistical analysis included chi-square. Results: Statistically significant differences (SSD) were noted between RTB and several variables: (1)Alcohol//Drug Consumption (p<0.001): Most sampled HFs did not pose any RTB neither consumed alcohol/drugs (497, 93.2%). However, alcohol/drugs consumers were more likely to attempt a RTB (6, 14.29%) compared to those that did not take any risk. (2)Casualty Types (p<0.001): RTs were mostly non-swimmers (9, 22.5%), weak-swimmers (9, 22.5%) and competent swimmers (9, 22.5%). NRTs were mostly non-swimmers (263, 54.68%). (3)Way of Entering into the Water (p<0.001): RTs were more likely to enter in the water intentionally (26, 61.9%) compared to NRTs (167, 32.81%). (4)Casualty Dressing (i.e., clothes, swimwear or naked; p=0.001): Among the RTs the majority fell in the water wearing clothes (26, 61.9%) as opposed to 1/3 of the sample that wore a swimwear (14, 33.3%). Those that drowned without taking any risk, the majority wore clothes (424, 85.14%) or swimwear (66, 13.25%). (5)Age Group (p=0.027): Risk takers were more often aged 25-44 years old (24, 60%). NRTs were mostly people of all age groups above 25 years old (415, 90.1%). (6)Cause of Death (i.e., suicide, homicide, accidental fall, execution, martyrdom by drowning, boating, scuba, transport, unsuccessful rescue, sacrifice, fishing, military, disaster, swim, heart attack, bathing, aquatics, escape; p<0.001): RTB was evident on people engaged in aquatic activities (14, 33.33%), boating (13, 30.95%) or when they attempted to rescue others (11, 26.19%). The drowning episodes that didn't involved RTB were often caused accidentally (86, 17.34%), during a boating activity (175, 35.28%) or after a suicide attempt (83, 16.73%). (7)Profession (p=0.006): Athletes (8, 19.05%), entrepreneurs (4, 9.52%) and aquatic professionals (6, 14.29%) were more likely to attempt a RTB than authors and poets (39, 7.91%), royal and noble people (42, 8.52%) and politicians (70, 14.20%). Conclusions: Several notable personalities died by drowning. In some of them RTB was involved. Risk takers belonged were aged 25-44 years old, consumed drugs/alcohol, engaged in aquatics, boating or attempted a rescue. They were non/weak/competent swimmers and likely entered the water intentionally, wearing clothes or swimwear. Athletes, entrepreneurs and aquatic professionals were more likely to take risks than authors, poets, politicians, royal and noble people. Those that didn't take risks, often drowned accidentally, while boating or by suicide.
Citation: Avramidis, S., Patrinos, S. (2017). “History Lessons” - Part 2: Decoding the Risk Taking Behavior of Historical Figures that Drowned. In: Avramidis, S. (Ed.). Conference on Near-Death Experiences while Drowning (p. 24). Ft. Lauderdale, Florida, USA: International Swimming Hall of Fame.
Danger - Dam Ahead
Danger - Dam Ahead
Sigrid Pilgrim
Every year people still drown on rivers because they do not recognize the danger a dam poses on an often quiet and slow flowing river or children falling into the water while playing nearby. These dams, many of which no longer serve their intended purpose, continue to degrade the natural river environment and are a hazard to boaters, anglers and other people using rivers for recreational purposes. Often these dams are the only features interrupting a normally slow and quiet moving stream, making boaters believe that the bubbling waters will add a little “whitewater excitement”. However, when water flows over the face of the dam, gravity pulls it towards the bottom of the river causing a depression that needs to be filled by water flowing back upstream which creates the recirculation effect, or a hydraulic. Anyone caught in this recirculation will be pushed down into the water at the face of the dam, then gets pulled back up with the upstream flow of the water towards the dam again, making escape almost impossible without help, especially if the dam stretches across the river, as is often the case. A valuable teaching tool to demonstrate this danger is our Dam Simulator, a 4-foot-long, and 1 foot wide acrylic tank containing a model of a typical, Army Corps of Engineers dam design. A sump pump submerged in a plastic barrel provides a continuous flow of water over the dam and the clear sides offer a powerful demonstration how the water flowing over the dam sets up the recirculation. Little doll house figures or wooden cut-out “people” very visually demonstrate the effects of what actually happens to people caught in the hydraulic below a dam. We have demonstrated our Dam Simulator for many years at paddling and other events. The late Marge Cline took excellent video footage which eventually was combined with actual dam footage videos by Thomas Lindblade after the tragic drowning of three people on the Fox River in Illinois. This eight-minute video, was eventually licensed to the American Canoe Association (ACA) and DVDs can be obtained for a minimal cost. Engineering drawings for the dam were developed by Susan Sherrod, and anyone interested in building a dam simulator can send an email requesting copies of the design drawings me at spconsult@comcast.net. The video has received much praise, including from professionals in the field noting that “it is the best visual example to demonstrate what happens below a dam”. The Dam Simulator can also demonstrate many other river features, such as how to modify a dam to reduce the hydraulic by placing rocks or boulders on the downstream side of the dam; showing foot entrapments when people stand up in moving water and getting feet and legs caught in rocks when water is at a level above their knees; strainers, which are trees or tree branches across the river that can trap a boater or swimmer, and many other river features. Please enjoy our video and share with anyone to help educate about the dangers of dams.
Citation: Pilgrim, S. (2017). Danger - Dam Ahead. In: Avramidis, S. (Ed.). Conference on Near-Death Experiences while Drowning (p. 23). Ft. Lauderdale, Florida, USA: International Swimming Hall of Fame.
Be Smart, be Safe, Have Fun - A Beginner's Guide to Safer Paddling
Be Smart, be Safe, Have Fun - A Beginner's Guide to Safer Paddling
Jim Emmons
Paddle sport fatalities in 2016 reached a new high in the USA, up from a low of just over 60 deaths in 1997 to 167. Canoe deaths peaked in 2009 at near 90, and have steadily declined, whereas kayak deaths are now leading all paddle sport fatalities (American Canoe Association). The reasons are many. A decline in number of canoe participants is one. The most important factor is the sales explosion of low-cost recreational kayaks sold in big box stores and also by general merchandise retailers, whose sales personnel have little, if any knowledge of safe paddling practices. Furthermore, they do not share the carriage requirements and many unsuspecting new paddlers launch without the proper safety equipment, which often results in tragedy. The pamphlet idea was developed during a 2015 safety meeting that Jim Emmons, Non-Profit Outreach Grant Director of the Water Sports Foundation, a Division of the Water Sports Industry Association (WSIA) and former President of WSIA organized with the US Coast Guard (USCG) and the top six recreational kayak manufacturers at the Outdoor Retailer Trade Show in Salt Lake City, UT. During the meeting, kayak manufacturers were shared the data on paddler deaths in America. They were not aware that kayaks lead to so many paddler deaths. At the meeting, the companies were asked to participate in sharing safety messages through their channels, both social media and marketing such as consumer websites and newsletters. They all unanimously agreed to help. The idea of a safety pamphlet that could be attached to kayaks during production and shipped to dealers ready for consumers right in the retail environment was proposed. The manufacturers all agreed to include the pamphlets [PDF]. In January 2017 nearly 7 million copies (a 3-year supply) were printed by the Coast Guard. A panel of senior members of the paddle sports safety community including Pam Dillon of the National Association of State Boating Law Administrators (NASBLA) and Chris Stec of the American Canoe Association (ACA) vetted the content for relevancy and accuracy. Mr. Emmons also had a commitment from the NASBLA to help get the pamphlet shipped to nearly every state and territory, which accounts for about 2 million copies. The City of Evanston in Chicago, has paddlesport storage and rental operation on Lake Michigan and requested over 200 copies to hand out to paddlesport participants. An 8-part video series called Safer Paddling, Be Smart, Be Safe, Have Fun was produced. In May, SUP MAGAZINE released a new series of standup paddleboard safety videos. For 2017, a Stand-Up Paddle boarding safety pamphlet to be attached by manufacturers of SUP boards is being planned. Emmons plans to host 3 manufacturers’ meetings at trade shows: (1) Outdoor Retailer in Salt Lake City, Utah (July 27); (2) Paddlesport Retailer in Madison, Wisconsin (Aug. 31); (3) Surf Expo in Orlando, Florida (Sept. 8). All manufacturers of canoes, kayaks and stand-up paddleboards are encouraged to attend. Credits for this publication and videos go to: Water Sports Foundation, Jim Emmons; WSIA; ACA, Paddling Instructors; United States Coast Guard; NASBLA; Canoe & Kayak Magazine.
Citation: Emmons, J. (2017). Be Smart, be Safe, Have Fun - A Beginner's Guide to Safer Paddling. In: Avramidis, S. (Ed.). Conference on Near-Death Experiences while Drowning (p. 22). Ft. Lauderdale, Florida, USA: International Swimming Hall of Fame.
Float First - Swim Later
Float First - Swim Later
John Connolly
At the end of any drowning incident there are 4 possible physical outcomes; survive an incident with no injury, survive an incident with some temporary injury, survive with some permanent physical injury which reduces the quality of life and lifespan, and death. The FLOAT FIRST POSTER aims to lengthen a drowning casualty’s survival time on top of the water and depress any inclination to panic. Panic results in a total loss of ability to self-help. In drowning situations swimmers ask themselves ‘What Do I Do Now?’ The poster aims to give most drowning casualties a successful survival strategy with a good outcome.
The poster is in two parts. The top part aims to deliver an indirect subliminal message. If displayed in dressing rooms, swimmers eyes will rest on the poster and see DROWNING - FLOAT FIRST - SWIM LATER. Over time a strong subconscious connection will be made between drowning and floating. When a swimmer asks themselves ‘What do I do now?’ their subconscious mind will immediately answer FLOAT FIRST.
Drowning and rescue reports point to swimmers answering the ‘What do I do now?’ question with ‘I must swim as fast as I can to safety’. Drowning is having difficulty breathing in water. If the distance to safety is very short swimming often works. If the distance is not short swimming immediately may lead to Sudden Total Swim Failure. Recognizing that swimmers will have a strong impulse to swim as fast as they can to safety the poster tells them to delay and SWIM LATER – when they can breathe steadily.
The bottom part of the poster is intended to be read deliberately. It explains when to swim and how you do it. Most drowning swimmers, falling into water, will be dressed in street clothing. Their immediate need is to prevent the inhalation of water due to the Gasp Reflex while underwater. This is achieved by placing a hand over the mouth and coughing on surfacing. They need to establish positive buoyancy and stay on top of the water. Sculling and kicking the legs slowly will maintain positive buoyancy with little oxygen depletion. Floating keeps a casualty on top of the water.
Swimmers are advised to try to slow down their breathing and to stop breathing for a few seconds between breaths. Cold water immersion and a sense of danger both produce hyperventilation – fast shallow breathing – which is of no use in maintaining positive buoyancy and in replacing used oxygen. It is stressed that any cold discomfort will pass quickly – in minutes. This is when the drowning casualty is most likely to panic or to start swimming. They are told to wave one arm to attract attention. Once they are breathing easily they can think about swimming to safety. They will need to swim slowly, without removing clothing, keeping their hands in the water and their head out of the water.
Citation: Connolly, J. (2017). Float First - Swim Later. In: Avramidis, S. (Ed.). Conference on Near-Death Experiences while Drowning (p. 21). Ft. Lauderdale, Florida, USA: International Swimming Hall of Fame.
Do Not Go Gentle
Do Not Go Gentle
John Connolly
Introduction: Do Not Go Gentle is an original musical composition dedicated to all those who drown. It is specifically dedicated to the deceased crew of Irish Coast Guard Helicopter Rescue 116 and to all refugees who drown in the Mediterranean. The song was commissioned by the Lifesaving Foundation and composed by Dr. Martin O’Leary, University of Maynooth. The song was first performed in Malta on 24th March 2017 by the combined choirs of Lucan Gospel Choir (Ireland) and Joy Gospel Singers (Malta). A recorded version by Lucan Gospel Choir is available on You Tube here. The Lifesaving Foundation has offered free use of the song to all lifesaving organisations worldwide. Rescue 116: Irish Coast Guard Helicopter Rescue 116 crashed into Blackrock Island in the early hours of the morning on 14th March 2017. The crew were unaware of the island’s existence in front of the lighthouse. All four crewmembers died in the event. Ireland’s Air Accident Investigation Unit has published a Preliminary Report. Commodore Hugh Tully, Flag Officer Commanding Naval Service: “Naval Service personnel are very experienced in search and rescue but they never have encountered anything on the scale in the Mediterranean. The work carried out by our personnel in the Mediterranean is both a source of pride and humility. It is very much in the naval tradition of coming to the aid of those in peril on the sea. The actions of our personnel is very much in line with the ethos and values that we hold in the Naval Service – courage, respect, integrity, loyalty and above all selflessness. They display the innate decency of Irish people in general and the fundamental respect we have for others. This is in complete contrast to the smugglers and traffickers who feed off the desperation of people who are fleeing oppressive regimes. Our effort in the Mediterranean is best summed up by one of our ships captains; “As members of the Naval Service we simply see a hand reaching up to us out of the sea; we grab that hand and we hold on to it with all our might and drag someone to safety.” Do not go Gentle. We voyage through the years, Savoring the view, And when the shadows come, Help each other through. Our hearts grow heavy, When we think of those we lose, But love stays strong, And love is what we choose. Do not go gentle whatever life may bring, Do not go gentle and we will always sing, Alleluia, Alleluia, Alleluia. We voyage through the storms, Coming close to harm, And gather those we love, Within a sheltering arm. And time moves slowly, We lose some on the way, But in our hearts, They live on every day. Do not go gentle whatever life may bring, Do not go gentle and we will always sing, Alleluia, Alleluia, Alleluia. Do not go gentle but go safe.
Citation: Connolly, J. (2017). Do Not Go Gentle. In: Avramidis, S. (Ed.). Conference on Near-Death Experiences while Drowning (p. 20). Ft. Lauderdale, Florida, USA: International Swimming Hall of Fame.
Friday, 20 August 2010
Paranormal Aquatic Rescues: Two Remarkable Case Reports
Paranormal Aquatic Rescues: Two Remarkable Case Reports
Stathis Avramidis
Introduction: A Near-Death Experience is not the only form of paranormal activity that presents interest for the public and challenges the scholars. Literature is full of anecdotal accounts, most of which have taken place in aquatic settings after a life-threatening event such as drowning. Likewise, although rare, there have been at least two accounts of water rescues that involved a paranormal dimension published that merit attention. Account 1: A 20-year-old fisherman, was speared accidentally in the head, the spear entered at his jaw and protruded from the top of his skull, while he was swimming unaccompanied. He was rescued, admitted to the intensive care unit for an operation, remained in a coma for a few days and then had a full recovery. About 10 days before the rescue, he had visited a monk who had told him that he "should not be afraid of anything", rubbing the top of his skull and his jaw exactly at the points through which the 40-inch spear passed. After the incident, the monk prescience the exact day on which he would recover from the coma (Avramidis, 2013). Account 2: Jennifer Groesbeck, 25, when crossing a bridge, she hit a cement barrier and drove off the roadway. The car was discovered 14 hours later, by a fisherman. Four policemen plunged into the freezing water to see if they could find survivors. They said that they could see a person in the front seat and heard clearly the distinct sound of a woman’s voice saying "Help me, we're in here". They replied "hang in there, we’re trying what we can." They thought that someone was alive. Surprisingly, they found Jennifer dead and her 18-months old girl handing upside down in the car, without touching the water though. Four officers and three firefighters formed an assembly line in the freezing water and brought the child to shore. First responders started resuscitation. The baby regained consciousness in the hospital. The officers had no explanation for the mysterious voice that appeared to come from inside the car. One of them said that he wouldn’t believe it really happened had not the other officers heard it too. "I don’t know what I thought I heard. I’m not a typically religious guy. It’s hard to explain — it was definitely something. Where and why it came from, I’m not sure." he said (Landau, 2015). Summary: The monk’s prescience permitted the assumption that a divine spirit was pervasive throughout the universe and present in this life-threatening situation, endeavoring to assist the lifeguard, the neurosurgeons and the young fisherman. Similarly, the rescue of the girl raises the likelihood of the existence of a miracle as contributor to survival. Future research on whether a rescuer may be assisted by spiritual powers seems interesting.References: (1) Avramidis, S. (2013). Paranormal Experience in a Medico-Swimming Rescue: A Case Study. Journal of Religion and Health, 52(2), 408-417. (2) Landau, J. (2015). 'Mysterious voice' led Utah cops to discover child who survived for 14 hours in submerged car after mom drowned. Assessed on 16 June 2017 from: <http://www.nydailynews.com/news/national/mysterious-voice-leads-police-baby-car-crash-article-1.2142732>
Citation: Avramidis, S. (2017). Paranormal Aquatic Rescues: Two Remarkable Case Reports. In: Avramidis S. (Ed.). Conference on Near-Death Experiences while Drowning (p. 19). Ft. Lauderdale, Florida, USA: International Swimming Hall of Fame.
The Secret of Princess Alice and a Greek Sergeant
Panayotis Vlantis
Between 1956-1958, I and my father visited several times the monastery of Princess Alice, 30 km outside Athens. She was the mother of Philippe, Duke of Edinburgh, and mother in law to Queen Elisabeth II. Her life was full of service to others. She took care of the wounded soldiers, founded houses for orphans and saved Juice hiding them in her house. She was a fine role model of Royal service. On the other hand, my father served as sergeant in the Greek-Italian war defending his country. He fought under extremely low temperature conditions for 51/2 months. During a battle, he ordered his soldiers not to shoot the retreated Italians "because a mother gave birth to them too" and later he took care of the wounded asking them "to forgive him". Later, a bomb almost killed him. Several surgeries followed to ensure his survival. He told me that in one of them at Ioannina Hospital, his soul came out of his body and passed easily through windows and walls. He could see the garden and fly above the town and the lake. Because the sun was hot, he was disturbed and decided to enter the known area of the hospital where he sought to see his fellow crippled soldiers some without arms or legs. During that search, he witnessed his friend, a doctor who later became politician, Mr. G.L. having sexual affairs with the nurse, Miss L.K. He was surprised and could not dare to look anymore. He feared that they might see him. He decided to leave the room. That moment, a higher power, took him away his autonomy and he was swallowed inside it being moved forwards. Soon, he was found in a place entirely different from Earth of incredible beauty. The place was full of emotions, safety, love, respect, and joy. He had different consciousness, more vivid than vision, acuity, smell etc.  |
| Antonis Vlantis |
"Some" beings were waiting as if they knew him. His presence did not surprise them, because they had appeared to him. "Oh dear, how nice it is here! I envy you! I want to stay here and not go back!", he said. "This is impossible! You have a mission to fulfill", they said to the 28-y.o. who had almost one leg and one arm. "Actually, this is the best moment to return, otherwise it will be painful for you." Two beings placed him in the middle and took him to the place where he had arrived. One of them said: "Don't tell anyone anything about it." My father told me that he could hear that voice as if it was happening now. "But why?", he asked. "They are not ready to learn the truth", was the reply. Instantly, he returned to his body. When he recovered gaining consciousness, he saw the doctor, G.L. above him. They were alone. Τo confirm his experience, my father asked: "Are you not shamed? What did you do to L. a little while ago?" The doctor, turned yellow and denied it, so my father started describing what he saw and heard in the other room. "But.. you were having an operation that time. How do you know that?", the doctor said. "My body was having the surgery, not my soul". "Please don't tell anyone about it; I will be embarrassed, ok Antonis?" This story was probably the reason of the strong appreciation that Princess Alice felt for my father, who was an ordinary sergeant.
Citation: Vlantis, P. (2017). The Secret of Princess Alice and a Great Sergeant. In: Avramidis S. (Ed.). Conference on Near-Death Experiences while Drowning (p. 18). Ft. Lauderdale, Florida, USA: International Swimming Hall of Fame.
Spirituality in Lifeguarding
Spirituality in Lifeguarding
Bob Burnside
When a friend asked me: “Would you take the same life journey again?”, I answered, “Yes, absolutely.” He smiled and asked: “What single word would you use to describe your life, considering your 65 year-long career in water safety, at every level from a tower lifeguard to an Administrator of a Lifeguard Department?” I said, “Spirituality.” He was puzzled. I explained that, to me, spirituality in lifeguarding is expressed in two ways; as means of self-fulfillment and, to manage crises. (1) Self-fulfillment: My life as a lifeguard was my karma and dharma. Karma means “action” (all actions have consequences). Dharma means “right behavior” or “duty” (we all have a social obligation). My years in the ocean made me a good water man. I took the beach lifeguard test. My journey as a professional lifetime lifeguard had started. Thus, 65 years later, I reflect on that word, “spirituality”. My lifeguard involvement has been a “spiritual awakening” for several reasons. It provided an impervious sense of inner peace (which I found daily, supervising my area). It gave me true happiness, no matter what occurred in my life. I felt as one with everyone and everything. I had a fulfilled and meaningful life. I developed a higher shift in consciousness and understanding as I got older and the new experiences that gave me insight to issues yet to be experienced. I felt unconditional love for all living beings. I found my true self and path. I did something with purpose. As the years went on, my senses became even more acute. Lifeguarding gave me a sixth sense, the ability to transcend the most basic human senses. If something might- or was about to- happen, an alarm would go off to concentrate on the unseen, the unsuspecting. That was my lifeguarding alarm, and as that subsided, I would fall back into my mental guardianship of those within my zone of responsibility. When you finish the day and the crowds are leaving, you realize that the day was spiritual, because you contributed to making the day serene and safe. I feel we can only really live completely by performing good deeds. (2) Managing Crises: When a water rescue or resuscitation is unsuccessful, a spiritual lifeguard can remain calm and support the victim's relatives with greater sensitivity. An 11-year-old boy had a near-death experience from drowning. Years later, as a paramedic, he said that he has resuscitated countless patients and watched them go peacefully, even those that committed suicide. He could not explain that when he was resuscitating a patient, he was calm in knowing he would not be able to bring them back every time (Holden & Avramidis, 2015). Another lifeguard, whose 84 years old swimmer died by heart attack, after 50-minutes of CPR/AED attempts, reported that he managed to calm the almost inconsolable wife of the old man at the hospital, only when he supported her with spiritual words (Avramidis, S, Personal communication, June, 19, 2017). Summary: Spirituality is an emerging field of interest closely linked with everything. Lifeguarding is not exemption. In the future, more focus should be paid on that by the lifesaving organizations, that will strengthen our profession. References: Holden, J.M. and Avramidis, S. (2015). Near-Death Experiences While Drowning. Texas, USA: Eagle Editions - University of North Texas.
Citation: Burnside, B. (2017). Spiritually in Lifeguarding. In: Avramidis, S. (Ed.). Conference on Near-Death Experiences while Drowning (p. 17). Ft. Lauderdale, Florida, USA: International Swimming Hall of Fame
"Footprints" of NDEs in History, Hollywood, Reality and Recommended Resources
"Footprints" of NDEs in History, Hollywood, Reality and Recommended Resources
Stathis Avramidis
The term "Near-Death Experience" (NDE) originated in 1975, however the "footprints" of this phenomenon existed for centuries. In this presentation I will make reference to accounts that demonstrate that people were aware about NDEs. First, such narratives are evident in antiquity. In Ancient Greece Plato speaks about a soldier, Err. Second, Hollywood not only has screened several films that portray NDEs but also several actors have experienced it themselves. The films focus on the issue of life after death superficially to serve purposes of horror, comedy or romance. Some are relatively more interesting, depict some NDE elements (e.g., out-of-body experience, meeting deceased relatives, feeling peace and joy in another realm or having a hellish experience). Finally, others raise public awareness by delivering accurately many NDE characteristics. In reality millions of stories are experienced, told and reported each year on every continent. To some extent, it seems unusual that no reference or provision has been made so far to the phenomenon of NDEs in manuals and the training of lifeguards. The best online resources include the International Association of Near-Death Studies at www.iands.org where NDErs can find reading, programs from past conferences, meetings with other NDErs; Near-Death Experience Research Foundation at www.nderf.org where NDErs can find NDE accounts from experiencers around the world; and the American Center for the Integration of Spiritually Transformative Experiences at www.aciste.orgwhere NDErs can find mental and spiritual health professionals specially qualified to work with them. These sources are extremely beneficial not only for the lifeguards but also for the people they will rescue and their families. A thorough studying of the above sources will equip the lifeguards to perform a better job. References: Holden, J.M. and Avramidis, S. (2015). Near-Death Experiences While Drowning. Texas, USA: Eagle Editions - University of North Texas.
Citation: Avramidis, S. (2017). Footprints" of NDEs in History, Hollywood, Reality and Recommended Resources. In: Avramidis S. (Ed.). Conference on Near-Death Experiences while Drowning (p. 15). Ft. Lauderdale, Florida, USA: International Swimming Hall of Fame.
"NDE Mnemonic" and "NDE Protocol": Two Useful Tools for Lifeguards
"NDE Mnemonic" and "NDE Protocol": Two Useful Tools for Lifeguards
Stathis Avramidis, Janice M. Holden
Introduction: Lifeguards are equipped to respond effectively to the physical crisis of drowning (rescue, resuscitation) but aren't trained to deal with the victims’ psychological experiences. This makes them vulnerable to doing harm by omission. Aim: To enhance lifeguards’ competence regarding the phenomenon of NDE, through a series of recommendations for NDE-sensitive practices during and after a drowning resuscitation. The “NDE” Acronym: (D) don’ts—things for water safety professionals to avoid doing. Instead they should (N) enact so that the victim who is experiencing or experienced an NDE feels certain beneficial (E) effects. The NDE Protocol: The below graph, describes the stages that a lifeguard should follow to deal effectively a survivor that could potentially may had an NDE. If a survivor indicates even one of the NDE features, do not deny that the experience was an NDE—a phenomenon that has been professionally recognized and labeled. Instead know and name the experience as an NDE and use research-based NDE information to answer questions the survivor might ask. 
Citation: Avramidis, S. , & Holden, J.M. (2017). NDE Mnemonic and NDE Protocol: Two Useful Tools for Lifeguards. In: Avramidis, S. (Ed.). Conference on Near-Death Experiences while Drowning (p. 13). Ft. Lauderdale, Florida, USA: International Swimming Hall of Fame.
Accounts that Demonstrate the Importance of Swimming and Lifeguard Lessons
Accounts that Demonstrate the Importance of Swimming and Lifeguard Lessons
John Spannuth
My eyes have seen thousands of swimmers at various venues around the world. My first experience as a lifeguard was in 1950 at the French Creek State Park (Pennsylvania). Since then, I have served as Camp Waterfront Director, swimming pro, Pool Manager, Aquatic Director at YMCA’s , etc and I learned many lessons about aquatics programming and administration. Three incidents that I have experienced formed my thinking about teaching swimming and lifeguarding: (1) When I was 6, I almost drowned. The pool was at a luxurious country estate. There was, of course, no lifeguard but my friend and I went in the pool. I didn’t know there was a “drop-off” and I stepped off the ledge. After a long time, my friend, who was also a non-swimmer, pulled me to safety. (2) When I had my first full-time job as Aquatics Director at the Reading (PA) YMCA, I had no aquatic staff. If there was a program in the pool, I ran it. I taught swimming a class of 30 boys. One of them was disruptive during the first 3 classes. So, I kicked him out and told him never to come back. A few weeks later, I had a call from the State Police asking me to come down to the Schuylkil River where two boys had drown. I rushed down to the river and dove into the water to find the boys. When I recovered the first boy and took him to the bank of the river, I took a quick look. He was the kid that I kicked out of the swimming class! (3) One day during an “open swim” at the YMCA, we had about 30 kids in the pool. I was lucky that I had just formed a Junior Leaders Group consisting of about 25 kids, ages 8-14. The Junior Leaders were stationed around the pool and had been educated regarding what to do in an emergency. One of the boys discovered a boy on the bottom of the pool. I dove in and pulled the boy out and performed resuscitation (back pressure-arm lift). A fireman got to the pool with a resuscitator. As he got it all set-up, the kid began to vomit and regained consciousness. Action Steps to Reduce Drowning: (1) Recognize that we have 2 types of water: Protected, that have at least a basic number of lifeguards on duty every hour that the facility is open. Unprotected, that include all types of aquatic environments. They don’t provide adequate lifeguard services and normal operating procedures. (2) Develop emergency plans for every aquatic facility. (3) Extension of traditional learn to swim efforts. Develop continuing programs beyond basic swimming classes that will educate participants to provide land-based rescues. (4) Develop worldwide Junior Aquatic Leaders programs in cooperation with related organizations. Produce a program to educate aquatic directors, staff members, parents, etc. This should stress the importance of extending children’s watermanship beyond the lower level swimming skills. This education would include near-drowning education. Suggested Administration of the Above Ideas: Have ISHOF develop and conduct the above-mentioned program, including the establishment of a Lifeguard Hall of Fame. Develop a lifeguard display area in the ISHOF Museum. Have a staff member responsible for this specialization area. Get organizations or aquatic industry companies to sponsor this program.
Citation: Spannuth, J. (2017). Accounts that Demonstrate the Importance of Swimming and Lifeguard Lessons. In: Avramidis, S. (Ed.). Conference on Near-Death Experiences while Drowning (p. 14). Ft. Lauderdale, Florida, USA: International Swimming Hall of Fame.
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