Swimming Survival Whenever learning swimming it is very important to not only get better in a fitness aspect and a way of staying healthy, but one of the most important things to learn about while swimming is swimming to survive. According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, in 2004, there were 3,308 unintentional drowning’s in the United States, an average of nine people per day. Also according to the American Academy of Pediatrics it is estimated that for each drowning death, there are 1 to 4 nonfatal submersions serious enough to result in hospitalization. Children who still require cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) at the time they arrive at the emergency department have a poor prognosis, with at least half of survivors suffering significant neurologic impairment. There are many different instances in which the ability to swim affectively can save yours or somebody else’s life in a certain situation. Some of these situations include flood, ocean, river or even your basic swimming pool can all produce its own level of hazards or obstacles that can potentially cause saver injury or death. One technique that will help in some of these situations according to essortment.com is back floating also known as "sculling," the back float is performed by lying flat on your back with your feet relaxed and slightly apart. Your arms are at your sides moving slowly side-to-side. If you feel yourself sinking, raise your chin putting your head further back in the water. The key to effective back floating is to relax your body. Very little motion should be required to remain afloat.

http://www.essortment.com/swimming-water-safety-techniques-49631.html
http://www.cdc.gov/