During the pandemic people are flocking to beaches, ponds and pools. But many swim lessons, lifeguard trainings and other water safety classes were canceled. On The Point, we discuss how this impacts water safety now and in the future. We also discuss why drowning deaths are higher for people of color than white people, and how to keep ourselves and others safe in and around the water, especially children.
Guests on the program are:
Chris Brewster, retired Lifeguard Chief for the City of San Diego, President of the Americas Region of the International Life Saving Federation, Chair of the Certification Committee of the United States Lifesaving Association, and the Editor of American Lifeguard Magazine.
Dr. Kristen Kendrick, board-certified family physician and recently completed a Health and Media fellowship at NPR.
Link to Kristen Kendrick’s article "you could save a child from drowning"
Link to Water Safety Information from Red Cross
Data on Racial Disparities in Drowning from the CDC and from Aquatics International
This piece first aired in August 2021.
