Summer Water Safety

I suppose almost everyone has heard about the little two-year-old who was attacked and killed by the alligator in Florida while his family was on vacation from Nebraska. My heart goes out to his family as they grieve his loss and try to put their lives back together after the nightmare they are living through.

As I struggled to make sense of such a tragedy, I began to search for information about child safety in and around pools and other water sources. I was amazed to learn some startling statistics. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention states that it’s the number-one cause of accidental death in kids ages 1-4.

That same report states that every year upwards of 600 children under age 15 die from drowning (seven times that many get treated in ERs for nonfatal submersion injuries). Most deadly accidents affecting young kids happen in backyard pools. Parents magazine suggests some water safety rules:

RULE 1Never take your eyes off your preschool child when she is in or around the water. If she is a non-swimmer, you need to be within touching distance at all times and have 100% of your attention on her.

RULE 2Ignore your phone. Mute the ringer, but keep it fully charged and close in the event you need to contact a 911 operator. Learn the address of where you are swimming so you may easily give your location.

RULE 3Don’t rely on water wings, inflatable toys, floating loungers, or pool noodles. They aren’t intended (nor are they safe) for use as life preservers.

RULE 4The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends that all children ages 4 and older take swimming lessons. Keep in mind, though, that regardless of ability, all toddlers and preschoolers need a caregiver at their side in the pool.

RULE 5Have older kids buddy up. Each child should know where her buddy is at all times, but don’t forget that a pal doesn’t replace adult supervision, it serves as a supplement.

RULE 6When there’s a crowd, put a parent on lifeguard duty. Change up every 15 minutes. If there are more than a few children, use two or more water watchers (both in the water and on the pool side). Save the wine for later when outdoor activity is over for the day

RULE 7Teach your child the rules, i.e., no running, no diving in the shallow end, no pushing people in, no pulling other kids under the water and no swimming without adult supervision.

RULE 8Learn CPR. Contact your local American Red Cross (redcross.org) to find a class.

We don’t have to be concerned about alligators in our area, but danger is only a few moments away unless we stay focused while our precious children are in the water. Have a wonderful week and Happy Parenting!