The weather is getting warmer and soon kids will be splashing in all sorts of water. Don’t for a minute think your child is safe around water — even a blown-up kiddie pool in the backyard is an opportunity for disaster. According to Safe Kids Worldwide, drowning is the leading cause of death for children ages 1 to 4. Children younger than a year old are more likely to drown at home in the bathtub or a bucket! It can happen anywhere.
Follow these Safe Kids Worldwide tips this summer and always.
1. Watch kids when they are in or around water, without being distracted — put down your cell phone! Even if lifeguards are present do not rely on them alone for your child’s safety.
2. Keep young children within arm’s reach of an adult. Babies can drown in as little as one inch of water.
3. Empty all tubs, buckets, containers, and kiddie pools immediately after use. Store them upside down so they don’t collect water.
4. Close toilet lids and use toilet seat locks to prevent drowning. Keep doors to bathrooms and laundry rooms closed.
5. Install fences around home pools. A pool fence should surround all sides of the pool and be at least four feet tall with self-closing and self-latching gates.
6. Know what to do in an emergency. Learning CPR and basic water rescue skills may help you save a life.
7. Teach children how to swim. Every child is different, so enroll children in swim lessons when they are ready. Consider their age, development, and how often they are around water.
