On a bright summer day, 6-year-old Ryan was celebrating his last day of kindergarten with a family pool party in their backyard. Having learned to swim at the age of four, Ryan, like many young children, was initially apprehensive about submerging his face in water, so he preferred using a swim mask.
Ryan’s mother, Sarah Williams, recounts the tragic incident to Home Insemination Kit, explaining that while two adults were watching him, they were unaware that water had seeped into his swim mask, obstructing his ability to breathe. Within moments, Ryan drowned. Sarah believes he panicked and couldn’t remove the mask in time, highlighting the fact that drowning can occur in just 20 to 60 seconds. “We thought the mask would help him feel safer, but that was a serious misjudgment,” Sarah reflects. “Parents and swim instructors need to understand that young kids often can’t clear a flooded mask—a child must be comfortable removing it underwater.”
For years, Sarah struggled with sharing the details of Ryan’s death, but now she is determined to educate other parents about the hazards associated with swim masks when misused. “Ryan passed away on June 23, 2005,” she says. “It took me a long time to talk about it publicly, and I realized that discussions about mask safety are rare. I find solace in the idea that things happen when they’re meant to.”
The emotional toll Sarah has faced is unimaginable, yet her advocacy work could potentially save lives. Recently, she collaborated with the National Drowning Prevention Alliance to create an informative video that addresses the dangers of swim masks. The video will be showcased at the upcoming National Drowning Prevention Alliance Convention in New Orleans.
This video is essential viewing for parents, swim instructors, and caregivers of young children. Dr. Emily Harper, chair of the International Drowning Prevention Alliance, outlines key safety principles every parent should follow to prevent drowning, specifically regarding swim masks:
- Enroll your child in swim classes with trusted organizations like the YMCA or the American Red Cross.
- Ensure your child feels comfortable in the water before introducing a swim mask. Masks should not be used as a tool to help them acclimate.
- Don’t rely solely on flotation devices for safety in water.
- Always practice “touch supervision” – being in close proximity to your child, even if they are proficient swimmers.
- Learn to identify the signs of drowning and familiarize yourself with CPR techniques.
- Avoid letting children dive headfirst while wearing masks or goggles.
In addition to professional swim lessons, the Academy of American Pediatrics recommends starting lessons as early as 1 to 3 years old, as drowning is the primary cause of injury-related deaths in this age group.
After learning about Sarah’s experience, I am reconsidering whether to allow my kids to use swim masks. They can be beneficial for some children, but proper fitting and knowledge about safe usage are critical. In the video, diving expert Mark Thompson provides important swim mask safety tips:
- Opt for a silicone mask. Cheaper alternatives made from PVC can warp and let water leak in.
- A suitable mask should pass the “flower sniff” test, meaning you can inhale without air escaping, ensuring a good seal.
- Ensure the mask fits snugly without being too tight, and check that it stays in place when moving your head.
As Sarah poignantly states, “Masks are not toys. They’re not dangerous by themselves, but many young children are not equipped to handle a flooded mask while swimming.” This summer, Ryan would have turned 22. Sarah’s mission is to prevent other families from experiencing similar heartache while honoring her son’s memory.
Though no one can bring Ryan back, Sarah’s efforts to raise awareness about swim mask safety could save lives. Her advocacy is a powerful reminder of the strength and resilience of mothers.
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In summary, Sarah Williams is on a mission to educate others about the dangers of swim masks following the tragic loss of her son, Ryan. Her advocacy work aims to prevent similar incidents by raising awareness about water safety and the appropriate use of swim masks.