Ditch Safety
Ditches are deadly!
Drowning is the second leading cause of accidental death in New Mexico for ages 1 to 44 years old. Each year over 8,000 people drown in this country. Nearly 4,000 of these drownings occur during the summer months of June, July, and August.
Stay away from the water in all ditches, arroyos and channels.
- NO swimming.
- NO playing nearby.
- NO fishing.
- SWIM AND PLAY ONLY AT LOCAL SWIMMING POOLS.
Safety Tips for Drivers
- Do not drive vehicles in ditches, arroyos or channels.
- Do not drive in a dip section during or after a rain storm.
- Do not try to four-wheel drive through flowing water. You may be carried away by the force of the water.
Emergency Tips for the Water
- Do not attempt a swimming rescue. You may become the next victim.
- Reach to the victim using whatever is available. Use your arm, a branch, wire, rope or pole.
- Throw something that floats to the victim. A large plastic bottle, or a large wood object.
- IN CASE BREATHING STOPS BEGIN ARTIFICIAL RESPIRATION IMMEDIATELY
To Administer Mouth to Mouth Resuscitation
- Open airway by tilting the head back and pulling the jaw into a jutting out position.
- Pinch nostrils closed, seal your mouth over the victim's mouth and blow until you see the victim's chest rise.
- Remove your mouth from the victim's mouth to allow for exhalation.
- Repeat steps 2 and 3 at the rate of 12 breaths per minute for an adult and 20 breaths per minute for infants and small children.