Summer is in full swing, and with it comes water fun. Most children are drawn to the water on a hot day like ants are drawn to a picnic. Water balloons, water guns, sprinklers, slip and slides, water parks and pools—let’s face it, water can be fun! But it can also be dangerous, very dangerous. 

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, “Every day, about ten people die from unintentional drowning. Of these, two are children aged 14 or younger. Drowning ranks fifth among the leading causes of unintentional injury death in the United States.^1”

As parents and caregivers, we have the responsibility of making sure that our children are safe when they are in and around water. Here are a few tips:

Pay Attention! Children should always have adult supervision when in or around water. Those supervising preschool children should be within easy reach of the child. The adult who is responsible for the children should not be otherwise distracted. In other words, he or she should not be talking on the phone, reading, doing a crossword puzzle, etc. In addition, there should be an adult responsible for watching the children even if there is a lifeguard on duty.

Choosing Locations Wisely. Still, it is wise to swim at a location where a lifeguard is present whenever possible. Avoid situations that are inherently dangerous such as unusually murky ponds, pools, lakes or rivers where visibility is difficult, and in oceans where the currents are excessively strong. Always be aware of beach safety flags. The colors and warnings may vary from beach to beach. Find out what they mean and obey them. Avoid getting in water or allowing your children to get into water that has dangerous waves and rip currents.

Use Safety Equipment Appropriately. Floaties, armbands, inner-tubes and pool noodles are not safety equipment. Wear life jackets and have your children wear life jackets on boats. Very young children and non-swimmers may need to wear life jackets when in a pool or at the beach. Make sure that the life jackets are “US Coast Guard approved.” Consider keeping a life hook near pools for emergencies.

Monitor the Area. Check the area surrounding a pool to make sure there are no toys or other obstacles that might cause a child to trip and fall into the pool. Make sure that there is an appropriate fence, a gated lock, and other barriers to prevent children from accidentally entering a pool area unattended. Pay attention to the weather. Never swim when strong winds, thunderstorms or lightning are present. Make sure that your child is aware of “deeper” areas or “off limits” areas and that those areas are clearly marked in some way.

Increase their Skills. Knowing how to swim can reduce the risk of drowning, but it is definitely not an excuse to reduce appropriate monitoring. Learn how to swim and teach your child how to swim. Be aware of your child’s comfort level around water and help your child to avoid any situation in which he or she is uncomfortable.

Emergency Care. Seconds count in an emergency. It is important that parents and caregivers know how to perform CPR and basic first aid. When monitoring children in water, have a phone nearby for easy and quick access to emergency help. Teach children how to dial 9-1-1 or another appropriate number in case of an emergency.

Unfortunately and to the surprise of many, drowning is a silent killer. Drowning victims are often caught unaware, pulled under and are out of sound and sight within seconds. Very seldom is there a television-type scene of splashing, gurgling, yelling and waving. That is why it is vital that adults pay close attention to children near water. Remember, children are not fish. So, be prepared. Be vigilant. Be aware, and be safe.

Sources

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, National Center for Injury Prevention and Control, Division of Unintentional Injury Prevention. “Unintentional Drowning: Get the Facts.”  November 9, 2012. Accessed May 9, 2013. For more information, visit the CDC site here.