Multiple scenarios were presented in which a vehicle was submerged in the canal with members of the CCSO dive team inside. During each scenario, Dr. Gordon Giesbrecht gave a minute-by-minute account of what happens to the body and strategies for survival.
The following are the action points from Dr. Gordon Giesbrecht on how to save yourself and your children should your car end up in a canal or river:
- His No. 1 – When your car goes underwater, don’t touch your cellphone. The first minute is crucial, and it’s a waste of your time trying to call 911, he said.
- More important is rolling down your windows before the water reaches them.
- Seat belts
- Windows
- Children- Children should be helped out of the car from oldest to youngest. After rolling down the windows, older children should be told to swim out and hold onto the car so parents can help younger ones out of car seats.
- Out!
Special thanks to the following people and agencies for making this life saving workshop possible:
Dr. Gordon Giesbrech
Associate Dean (External Relations)
Faculty of Kinesiology and Recreation Management
University of Manitoba – Canada
National Drowning Prevention Alliance
Collier County Sheriff’s Office
Physicians Regional Healthcare System,
Collier County Parks and Recreation
Bald Eagle Towing & Recovery, INC.
and
NCH Healthcare System
Golisano Children’s Hospital of Southwest
River Park Aquatic Center – City of Naples
Resqme
Naples Daily News Article– Sinking Feeling: Public safety agencies train to escape submerged vehicles.
We are partnering with the Collier County Public Schools – Adult & Community Education to host a free community water safety presentation on Tuesday, April 9th at Barron Collier High School from 5;30 p.m. – 6:30 p.m. Please RSVP at (239) 377-1234