Kids love playing in the water…Yay!! It is important to keep them safe.

Water safety for children is very critical. Sadly, according to the CDC, drowning is the leading cause of death in children 1-4 years and the 2nd leading cause of unintentional injury death after motor vehicle crashes in children 5 -14yrs of age. 

Drowning can be fatal, i.e., results in death, or non-fatal, i.e., a person survives it. Every day in the US, an average of 11 fatal drownings and 22 non-fatal drownings occur.

Kids can drown in less than 2 inches of water. Drowning, for the most part, is silent and can happen to anyone in a split second. Most drownings in kids under four years occur in home swimming pools (either in the home of the child, relatives, friends, or neighbors)

WATER SAFETY PRECAUTIONS

1. CONSTANT WATCH: A capable and attentive adult must constantly watch children swimming or playing around the water.
2. POOL FENCES: Are proven to be the most effective way of preventing drowning in young children. Rule of 4s: The fence should be at least 4 feet high with four sides surrounding the pool with NO slat spaces. The fence should be climb-proof and have a locked gate and lock which is out of reach to kids.
3. USE LIFE JACKETS: life jackets must be properly fitted for the child’s age and size and must be US Coast Guard-approved.
4. SWIM LESSONS: ‘When can my child start swim lessons?’ I get this question a lot in the clinic. SWIMMING IS NOT A LUXURY; IT IS A CRITICAL LIFE SKILL. Lessons can start from 1 year of age. By four years of age, lessons are a must. The aim is to teach water survival skills, i.e., the ability of the child to get back to the water’s surface. 
5. USE ALARMS: Alarms can be installed in the pool and triggered when someone falls into the pool. Also, parents can install alarms at the pool gate or the home door leading to the pool area. 
6. USE OF POOL COVERS: The safest pool covers are power-operated and secure.
7. LEARN CPR: Parents, caregivers, and older children must learn CPR.
8. PAY ATTENTION TO NATURAL WATER RISKS: Lakes, beaches, and rivers have risks like hidden currents and waves. ALWAYS check the local weather forecast and heed the various warnings and signs posted around bodies of water.
9. ONE-ON-ONE SUPERVISION: required for people with high-risk medical conditions like autism and heart conditions. 

Have a wonderful summer!!

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