WHEREAS, Unlike other injuries, mortality or morbidity from drowning is determined almost exclusively on the scene of the incident, based on how quickly the drowning person is removed from the water and the resuscitation efforts that are initiated; and
WHEREAS, Bystanders can make a critical difference in the survival of a drowning victim and while effective performance of a rescue in water without equipment is possible, the use of equipment like life ring buoys significantly reduces the risk of drownings; and
WHEREAS, The International Life Saving Federation has developed the "Drowning Chain of Survival", a series of steps which helps people understand how to act effectively in the event of a drowning and is taught by the Chicago Red Cross, the Chicago Park District, and by other agencies in the City; and
WHEREAS, In the Drowning Chain of Survival, the International Life Saving Federation counsels that "[providing flotation is a strategy not widely employed despite buying valuable time for emergency services to arrive, or for those on-scenes to plan rescue efforts"; and
WHEREAS, The City already has life ring buoys on all Chicago lakefront marine harbors and docks, as well as the River; and
WHEREAS, The U.S. Department of Labor requires life ring buoys be readily available, at a distance not to exceed 200 feet from each other, for emergency rescue operations when working over or near water - our children should have similar protection as our workers; and
WHEREAS, Neighboring cities adjacent to Lake Michigan have installed life ring buoys and document several successful rescues and no reported injuries due to the use of the ring; and
WHEREAS, Drowning is an important yet neglected public health issue that gravely affects youth and their families with not only loss of life, but also costly financial burdens and incalculable physical and emotional suffering; now, therefore
BE IT RESOLVED, That we, the Mayor and members ofthe City Council ofthe City of Chicago, ...
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