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National Learn to Swim Day

The Center for Disease Control and Prevention identifies swimming as the second leading cause of unintentional injury-related death for children ages 1 to 14, so it’s important to talk to your children about swimming safety.

SafeKids.org, a worldwide organization dedicated to protecting kids from unintentional injuries, offers these important safety tips.

  • Actively supervise children around open bodies of water by giving them your undivided attention. That means no talking on cell phones or texting.
  • If an infant or toddler is near any body of water an adult should be within arms reach. So no multitasking, a child can drown in as little as one inch of water.
  • Start slow with babies. By age 6 months little ones can begin to explore the water with a parent or caregiver.
  • Enroll your children in swimming lessons.
  • Don’t rely on swimming toys (noodles, water wings) for safety in place of a U.S. Coast Guard-approved personal floatation device.
  • Learn CPR. Local hospitals and recreation departments offer lessons.
  • A backyard pool should have four-sided fencing that is at least 4 feet high with a self-closing, self-latching gate.
  • Empty inflatable or portable pools immediately after using them.

For additional tips and information see safekids.org.

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