Drowning Support Network
Flash floods. Tsunamis. Rivers. Oceans. Hurricanes.
The force of moving water is powerful, majestic sometimes, and also potentially deadly.
Lakes. Ponds. Swimming pools and spas.
Even still water offers a hidden hazard. It only takes 30-seconds for a child to drown. And contrary to what people think, there is usually no cry for help. Drowning is a silent killer...
PHOTO: Earl Higgins, 1950-1980
The Drowning Support Network offers PEER GRIEF SUPPORT for those who have lost loved ones in drownings or other aquatic accidents, including when no physical remains have been recovered, or the recovery process has been lengthy and difficult. Water rescue/recovery personnel are also welcome to participate.
On February 17, 1980, my fiance, Earl Higgins, lost his life attempting to save a child that had been swept down the flood-swollen Los Angeles River. The child was miraculously eddied out of the water, but Earl was swept 30-miles downstream past rescuers who, at the time, were unable to perform a safe or effective swiftwater rescue. Earl's remains were not recovered until nine months later.
Too many families continue to suffer the loss or injury of loved ones in open water. In addition to sudden death bereavement, post-traumatic stress injury (PTSD) is frequently a compounding problem.
We lend one another emotional support and guidance, promote the development of drowning prevention programs, promote the development of water rescue training for emergency responders worldwide, promote standards for recovery operations that will reduce the burden on grieving families, and lobby for change in the way all open and moving water related emergencies are handled.
We honor confidentiality and we do not permit business/research solicitations.Information on this site is designed to support, not replace, physician-patient, provider-patient relationships.
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
2 comments:
How do we who were there and could've ,should've, would've seen something? Even my nine year old son is feeling this guilt. It is his 6 year old friend. The sweet young boy is still in the hospital and we survivors are just praying he'll also be a survivor. And tell us what we missed.
Little Tristan passed away last night. I guess we'll never know what really happened. The doctors confirmed a head injury to one of his temples. I am sure the hypoxia did not help once he slipped under the water. My nine year old is taking it better than I thought.
Post a Comment