WATCH YOUR KIDS AROUND WATER!
Child Safety Drowning Prevention: Drowning is a quick and silent killer. It can happen in a matter of seconds. There will soon be activity on or around the water: swimming and wading pools, fun at the beach or cottage, and boating.
Child Safety: Children are at risk of drowning year-round but the risk increases in spring as ponds, lakes and rivers begin to thaw. Curious toddlers are often drawn to fast flowing water but they don't understand the dangers. The risk of drowning peaks in summer as more people use swimming pools, beaches and other bodies of water to cool off.
Drowning prevention: Young children most often drown in backyard swimming pools, bathtubs, rivers and lakes, hot tubs, ditches and ponds. Two-thirds of these drownings happen to those who never intended to get wet in the first place. Unattended toddlers are especially at risk of drowning because they are mobile and very curious. As a result, they need close and constant supervision by an adult. Children under five years of age are the least capable to self-rescue of any age group. Although these statistics are frightening, it is important to remember that drownings are preventable. Parents and caregivers are reminded to keep children within arm’s reach at all times when in or close to water.
Water Safety: Protect your child from drowning. Never leave children unsupervised near a pool, hot tub or natural body of water. During gatherings, adults who know how to swim can take turns being the "designated watcher," who isn't distracted. Children under age 4 should be supervised at arm's length, even if they can swim. Don't rely on air-filled or foam toys, such as water wings, noodles or inner tubes, to keep children safe.
To make your pool inaccessible to children helps avoiding a kid accidently falling in and drowning in your absence. Think Child Safe Pool Fence! |
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Fence it off.
Install a four–sided isolation fence, with self–closing and self–latching gates, around backyard swimming pools. This can help keep children away from the area when they aren’t supposed to be swimming. Pool fences should completely separate the house and play area from the pool.
Be on the look out.
When kids are in or near water (including bathtubs), closely supervise them at all times. Because drowning happens quickly and quietly, adults watching kids in or near water should avoid distracting activities like playing cards, reading books, talking on the phone, and using alcohol or drugs.
Learn life-saving skills.
Everyone should know the basics of swimming (floating, moving through the water) and cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR).
Drowning prevention.
Thankfully, parents can play a key role in protecting the children they love from drowning.