• Go together or in company
• When playing in or around water always make sure someone is with you

Learn as much as you can about

Nature of water

Dangers of the aquatic environment

Ruels of behaviour around water

How you can offer help in an emergency

If you are in trouble, try and relax,roll on your back, hold onto something if available, try to stay afloat and wave one arm to attract attention

If you are in not a qualified lifesaver, DO NOT get into the water. Lie down on the pool side or bank and reach out with a stick or throw a rope

Prevention of emergencies depends on your understanding of and ability to apply simple common sense water safety measures

>>>>>RLSSI

Congratulations to Team India who bagged the first prize in the Men’s 200 m obstacle relay race and 200m Medley relay in Div 2. The relay team consisted of four life savers — Tarun Murugesh, Vishak Vishwanathan, Aditya Vangala and Demedu Chodipalli.

The individual winners for silver and bronze was bagged by Demedu Chodipalli and Aditya Vangala respectively in the mens individual 100 m obstacle race. Tarun Murugesh won a bronze in the Mes 100m Manikin tow with fins. In the Mens 100m Super Lifesaver, we have Demudu Chodipalli winning the silver and Tarun Murugesh winning the Bronze.

Lifesaving sport comprises of a host of activities using the primary skill of swimming, together with the use of rescue equipment or performing manikin rescue. Lifesaving sport is designed to test the athelete’s speed, endurance, agility, co-ordination and strength in the pool and surf. It is a unique combination of competitive swimming and timed, simulated rescue drills.

India will soon be playing host to the Commonwealth Lifesaving Championships in October 2011 to be held in Chennai.

So, how do we make it easier for them? We use ICE (In Case of Emergency) entries in our cell phones.

Wondering what ICE entries are? They are the names and numbers of people you want contacted in case you are in an emergency.

The idea started as a campaign by a paramedic based in Cambridge, England in 2005 when he got tired of trying to figure out whom to contact when he was dealing with patients who could not give information themselves.

It’s so simple that everyone can do it….

Append the word “ICE” before the names of persons you want contacted in case you are in an emergency. This helps emergency personnel look for the ICE entries and reach whoever’s name and contact information is there. It also gives you the opportunity to choose who you want contacted during an emergency. For more than one contact, use ICE1, ICE2, ICE3, etc.

If you become unconscious, rescuers can scroll through your phone contacts and know exactly who to call. Having more than one ICE entry helps in the situation when one contact is not reachable.

It’s a great idea, store it in your phone then pass on the message to your family and friends….

When we see a water body – swimming pool, beach, etc – most of us succumb to the temptation of getting into the water. But before you venture into a water body – understand your limitations as a swimmer. You need to be a good swimmer to handle rough water.

A few things that you must keep in mind while venturing into water bodies:

• Emergency numbers in that area - hospital, ambulance, etc
• Follow the ‘buddy system’ – always go swimming with a companion, even if you are a good swimmer (you don’t know when you may get cramps or an injury)
• Make sure you constantly keep track of all members who are in the water
• Avoid consuming alcohol before you get into the water – alcohol reduces concentration levels and is an invitation for mishaps in deep water
• Life-jackets, rubber tubes, or even ropes

Remember, rocky areas on the banks of water bodies tend to get slippery, especially during the rains. Avoid such areas.

Learn to swim well – it gives you a better chance to survive in troubled waters. Best of all; learn emergency skills like resuscitation, treatment of injuries and rescue techniques – these skills will come in handy when you find an emergency situation on your hands.

There is no system in the country that ensures our safety. Other societies have it. Does life in India have to be so cheap? We may be a billion but we deserve better. The Rashtriya Life Saving Society (India), is trying to fill the avoid and promote awareness in lifesaving. It started with swimming pools but soon extended its training in Road Safety which is part of the Society’s Programmes, in which it setup first aid posts along roads and trains 30 to 40 locals in First Aid. It is hoped that these first aiders will react to accidents in their vicinity with prompt assistance that can make the difference between life and death. We also advise the young on rules of the road and safe driving practices.