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EAGLE MOUNTAIN — Experts are issuing a safety warning specifically for young boys swimming this summer. It comes after 12-year-old Jason Thorpe nearly drowned Friday in an Eagle Mountain hot tub.
Kathleen Steadman, with the Utah Drowning Prevention Coalition, said overconfidence can lead to danger.
"With that age group, they're brave in the water," Steadman said. "They've learned how to swim. They've gone through swimming lessons."
She said boys are more likely to drown.
"Boys tend to egg each other on a little bit more, try to be a little bit more macho, try to be a little bit braver, and so they'll tend to try the riskier activities," she said.
Steadman recommends not participating in breath-holding competitions.
"Even if you can feel like you can hold your breath for a minute or two minutes above water, underwater it can be different and you can black out," she said.
She said drowning can often be quiet and sudden.
"If they don't have eyes open, they're not alert, answering questions, they're not moving, you should treat them as if they are experiencing a drowning incident," Steadman said.
She said people going out on the water or swimming should manage their expectations.
"Assume that you're going to need more help than what you may actually think normally," Steadman said. "Assume that you're a worse swimmer than you are, assume that you're going to need a life jacket."
She said children always need a water watcher, regardless of where they are or their age.
