For a Safer Summer
Summer is here and the pools are open! Pools comes with a bunch of fun but also some danger. So for you and your family to have a safer summer here are some facts and tips:
Facts about Drowning
- Drownings or near-drownings can happen to anyone.
- Most drownings are silent – No Sound or Splash
- They happen in less than 20 seconds.
- #1 cause of accidental death for children between the ages of 1-4.
- #2 cause of accidental death ages 5-19.
Prevention
- Always supervise your children in and around the pool
- Listening for splashing is not good enough as most drownings are silent, especially in young children. Put the phone down and go enjoy the pool with your kids.
- Don’t rely on lifeguards or floatation devices.
- Teach Kids to Swim
- While supervision is critical, it’s also important for children to learn how to swim. Kids who can’t swim are at a much higher risk of drowning, every child and adult should learn to swim. Their life may depend on it.
- American Academy of Pediatrics recommends lessons at age 1.
- Lifejackets
- Lifejackets are a great way to add extra protection while your children are still learning how to swim.
- Adults should be the the ones to put on and take off the lifejackets.
- Lifejackets don’t replace supervision. They are only there to help.
- Lifejackets are a great way to add extra protection while your children are still learning how to swim.
- Learn CPR
- While your children are learning how to swim, it’s important for you to learn CPR. In the case of an emergency, bystander CPR can often make a real difference while you’re waiting for emergency first responders to arrive at the scene.
- If you Own a Pool
- Purchase a pool fence. Pool fences are designed to be a physical barrier to prevent entry into the pool.
- Pool fences should be 4 sided, 4ft high with a self latching gate.
- Check out this video to learn more about pool fences. https://youtu.be/aEFCqjIAzPA
- Use can also install alarms on your doors leading to the pool and even alarms if someone enters the water.
- If a child goes missing, check the pool first!
- Put phone number and address in an accessible place so that when EMS is called the address is available.
- Purchase a pool fence. Pool fences are designed to be a physical barrier to prevent entry into the pool.
Parties
We all love getting together with friends and family for parties during the summer. If you go to a party where there is a pool, you should have an adult be a water watcher at all times. Don’t forget to share the responsibility; you deserve some fun too!
What’s a Water Watcher
A water watcher is an adult who promises to supervise children in and around the water/pool while keeping them in sight at all times. They do not leave the water area without finding another adult to replace them. Your children will be getting water watcher badges this week. If you didn’t get one, see the front desk and they will give you one.
If you would like for information about pool safety take a look at these links:
We hope you all have a safe and fun summer at the pool!
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