With the end of the school year, the beginning of summer, and steadily rising temperatures, many kids take to pools, beaches, lakes, and ponds to cool off and have some fun. Swimming and playing in the water can be lots of fun but can also be dangerous for children when the proper precautions are not taken to keep them safe. The second leading cause of accidental death is drowning for people between the ages of five and twenty four. While water can be dangerous, the good news is that there are many different ways to keep kids safe while still allowing them to have fun in the water.
The Importance of Supervision
When kids are in the water, whether in a pool, bathtub, or somewhere else, they should be under constant supervision. Even if lifeguards are present at the beach or pool, you should still keep a close eye on your children. For younger children, it is best to stay within arm's reach of them when they are in the water to avoid any distractions or accidents. Equally as important as supervising children in the water is preventing access to water that is unsupervised. Barriers should be installed around home swimming pools and hot tubs. Pool alarms and safety covers are also available and can be added as an additional layer of protection. It is important to make sure barriers enclose the entire pool or hot tub and are at least four feet tall. Latches should be high enough that children cannot reach them. Keeping pool toys out of the pool when not in use is also a good idea. These toys have a tendency to attract young kids to the pool, and keeping them out of sight can help to keep young children away.
Consider Swimming Lessons
If you have a pool or spend a lot of time at the beach, it may be a good idea to look into swimming lessons for your child. It is actually a good idea for the entire family to take swimming lessons to learn how to become strong swimmers. There are many places that offer swimming lessons including most YMCA locations. The Red Cross also offers learn to swim and water orientation classes.
What to do in an Emergency Situation
Practicing water safety can greatly cut down on the chances of an accident but even with safety measures in place, accidents can still happen. For people that live in a home with a pool in the yard, it is important to have proper pool equipment in the event of an emergency. This includes throwing or reaching equipment, life jackets, easy access to a phone (in case 911 needs to be called), and a first aid kit. It can also be beneficial for parents and other caregivers to take a CPR course as a working knowledge of CPR can be a live saver in countless situations.
General Water Safety Tips
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