Vivian Stancil Olympian Foundation

What is Drownproofing?

     The term “drownproofing” came from an old Navy survival swimming program. However, it is now more aptly called water safety instruction. The program teaches safety both in and near the water, including personal safety skills to help get out of danger, the use of personal flotation devices, non-swimming rescues, and cold water survival. Most people have a small amount of positive buoyancy that will enable them to float, but not enough to keep all of their head out of the water.  However, if they only lift the mouth and nose above the surface when necessary to breathe, it is possible to survive indefinitely with minimal expenditure of energy.

Is becoming Drownproof difficult?

     It is very easy to become drown proof, as it only takes a couple of sessions in the pool. Having mastered the basic technique, it is easy to learn to move about and make steady, effortless progress through the water.

Is Everyone a Natural Floater? 

     No, a small proportion of people have negative buoyancy, the ability to float. As a general rule, women are more buoyant than men, and tend to become more buoyant as they age. Drownproofing doesn't fit with the conventional lifesaving and swimming establishment. It is not an altruistic task. One can only take care of themselves, and there is no way to ensure anyone's safety other than your own; you can only save yourself, and it isn't a sport that can win medals or fame. It is difficult to convince people that staying afloat is easy; however, once they try it for themselves, until they have tried it for themselves and have sunk, will they see the importance of why it is actually life-saving.