Did you know that over 800 children die each year due to drownings?
Near-drowning victims can still suffer serious injuries. An estimated 5,000 children ages 14 and under are hospitalized due to near-drownings each year. About 20 percent suffer severe, permanent neurological disability. [excerpt from Safe Kids Org]
1.) Supervise around any water (pool, tub, bucket, etc.) · Be an active watcher. If you are reading or doing other activities, children can silently go under while you are distracted. · If there are many adults at a pool party with children, take turns being the designated watcher. If you leave it up to “everyone” to watch the children, many times nobody ends up watching and there can be gaps in supervision.
2.) Have Barriers to separate children from open bodies of water. · Children are quick and crafty. They may not be able to slide the door open one day, and manage to get outside the next. · Be even more alert around visitors and their young children. I’ve seen many tragedies occur due to children visiting friends and family without pool barriers.
3.) Know CPR · The first few minutes of CPR after a child stops breathing can be a matter of life or death. · Keep a phone near pool area. · Call your area YMCA, American Heart Association, or Red Cross to sign up for a course. · Anytime CPR (course in a box) is also available online via the AHA.
4.) Teach children how to swim. · Enroll your child in swimming lessons. · To find swimming lessons, contact your local parks and recreation department, aquatics center, or visit the YMCA Web site to find a YMCA near you.
5.) Use life jackets. · Even experience swimmers have drowned when thrown from a boat. The life jacket can keep a person’s nose and mouth above the water if they become unconscious. · Try to find the most comfortable life jacket you can afford. The life jacket only works well when it fits well. Kids will be more apt to wear the jacket if it is comfortable and if you make it the rule. No life jacket, no boat ride!
For more information, please go to the following websites:
Water Safety for Parents - http://kidshealth.org/parent/fitness/safety/water_safety.html
Take Care,
Cindy, RN