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Water Safety Tips for Your Family
Two things that always seem to go together–kids and water. As the temperatures rise, kids will want to spend more time outside, and of course, in and near water! Water play is a fun way to enjoy great weather and even beat the heat.
It is also extremely important to exercise extreme caution with children around water. Water-related deaths and drowning are the leading causes of deaths of children between ages 1-4. And It’s the third leading cause of unintentional injury-related death among children 19 and under.
In order to keep it fun as well as safe, here are some water safety tips the next time you take your family in or around water.
Watch Children Constantly, Carefully and Closely
Always have adults and experienced swimmers present and watching while children are in or near water. Take turns and designate someone to be the water watcher at all times. Personal flotation devices are not a substitute for watchful adults.
Life Jackets are Best
Speaking of personal flotation devices, water wings and other flotation devices are not 100% effective or life saving. They can deflate or fall off. Life Jackets (coupled with adult supervision) are ideal.
Walk Near Water
We understand kids (no matter their age) are excited to be near water, however, please teach them to walk when they are near water. Doing so will reduce the chance of kids slipping and falling into water.
Water of Any Depth Can Be Dangerous
Swimming pools, bathtubs, wading pools and even containers of water can be dangerous, especially to young children. Do not leave kids unattended in any depth of water, including wading pools or bathtubs. When not in use, empty kiddie pools and buckets and turn them upside down to prevent injury.
Exercise Caution Around Lakes, Rivers, and Streams
Natural bodies of water are beautiful and enticing for swimming and play. Watch children carefully around lakes, rivers, and even streams. You cannot see the conditions or the bottom of most natural bodies of water, so always ensure that children enter feet first–never dive in. These natural bodies of water could also contain trash or broken glass, so encourage kids to wear something to protect their feet. If you’re going out on a boat, always ensure kids wear life jackets.
Beach Safety
It’s hard to resist the allure of a beach day. But there are definitely some safety rules to keep in mind to stay safe. Be mindful that swimming and playing in the ocean is trickier than pools. Waves and currents could be strong enough to knock kids down. Check with the lifeguard on duty about the conditions, currents, and tides before allowing kids to go in the ocean.
Water Parks
What’s not fun about a place with water slides, wave pools, and fountains that spontaneously shoot water? Water parks are a great source of entertainment for children and families. Exercise safety by reading the signs on each ride to make sure kids are tall enough, old enough and don’t have any conditions prohibited by the ride. Make sure kids go down water slides feet first and face up. And even in the midst of the excitement, make sure kids walk between rides.
Learn CPR and Basic Water Rescue Skills
Even with taking all the necessary precautions, sometimes water related accidents may occur. Take time to learn infant and child CPR to be equipped and prepared.
With some watchful eyes, perception, and the right equipment, this summer can be loads of fun for your family. Remember to stay hydrated, apply sunscreen regularly, and enjoy!
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