Tech Works To Educate About Drowning During Wed Event

Most drowning accidents are preventable with some basic water safety training presented on the Tennessee Tech campus Wednesday night.

Bradley Westrick is lecturer in the Department of Exercise Science. He said drowning prevention requires preparation and awareness. He said we have to guard against assumptions of safety.

Westrick partnered with the Drennen’s Dream Foundation, a national nonprofit organization founded by Bill and Melissa O’Melia. The family lost their their 12-year-old Drennon son to a drowning accident.

“Drennon was a 12 year old boy who was a championship swimmer,” Westrick said. “He was in three feet of water at a guarded facility in a country club when he drowned.”

Westrick said some primary preventions are barriers such as proper fencing around a pool and proper supervision. Westrick said drownings occur at gatherings with many adults present. He said there should always be a water watcher or lifeguard.

“Also make sure there is swimming competency,” Westrick said. “I offer a free adult swim clinic every year in the fall and spring for anyone in the community at Memorial Gym pool.”

In the case of an accident, Westrick said be prepared with emergency training like CPR.

“You can have beginners, accomplished swimmers, it’s a wide range,” Westrick said. “It can happen anywhere to anybody.”