SUPERVISION
Children drown quickly and silently in a matter of seconds. Adults who were present when a child drowns were often distracted in some way, by talking on the phone, talking with other adults around the pool, or reading.
What you can do:
- Actively supervise. Follow the 10/20 rule. Sit where you can scan the pool within 10 seconds and reach the water within 20 seconds.
- Have a phone nearby to call for help in an emergency.
BARRIERS
Curious children, especially those younger than 4 years old, can easily find and fall into the pool or bodies of water, tubs and buckets. Remember, infants can drown in just a few inches of water.
What you can do:
- If you have a pool at home, install a fence. The fence should be at least four-feet high and have a self-closing, self-latching gate that has a locking mechanism beyond your child’s reach.
- Never leave a child alone near a body of water—even if it’s less than a few inches.
- Empty small wading pools after the kids are done playing.
- Remove all pool toys as these may attract the kids to the pool when it's unattended.
- Cover and lock your hot tub when you're not using it.
CPR SKILLS
Drowning victims who are rescued from the water need CPR immediately—before the paramedics arrive. It can prevent brain damage and be the difference between life and death.
What you can do:
- Learn infant and child CPR.
- Contact Safe Start Baby, your local health department, hospital or American Red Cross Chapter to find a class.
SWIMMING ABILITY
Children whose families don’t know how to swim or aren't comfortable with their swimming abilities are more likely to be at-risk of drowning.
What you can do:
- Make sure your child knows how to swim. If you don't how to swim either, take a parent-child class.
- To find swimming lessons, contact your local parks and recreation department, an aquatics center or visit the YMCA Web site to find a YMCA near you.
- Flotation devices, toys and inflatable swimming aids aren't safety devices.
LIFE JACKETS
Of those who drown in boating accidents in lakes, rivers and oceans, 9 out of 10 were not wearing a life jacket. Also, alcohol use is involved in up to 1 in 5 reported boating deaths.
What you can do:
- Make sure your kids wear a life jacket every time you're on a dock or go boating.
- Avoid or moderate your alcoholic consumption when boating.
- If you and your family boat frequently, consider taking a boating safety class through the U.S. Coast Guard.
References:
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2 comments:
Great advice. There a some good swim jackets out there designed for ages from 1 year to 14 years old.
Because they free up your babies arms, they can splash about safely and learn to feel comfortable in the water. You can also remove the floats as they grow and become stronger.
Hey it seems to be nice and useful tips.All the points that you had shared must be taken care of for the safety of children. Also if you have a pool outside your house, I would like to recommend pool fencing as it saves children from falling in it.
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