May is National Water Safety Month. Drowning
is one of the leading causes of death in the United States. On average, 3,533
people die as a result of drowning each year, and most of those deaths are
children under the age of four who drown in backyard swimming pools. The
tragedy of these statistics is nearly all drowning deaths are preventable.
is one of the leading causes of death in the United States. On average, 3,533
people die as a result of drowning each year, and most of those deaths are
children under the age of four who drown in backyard swimming pools. The
tragedy of these statistics is nearly all drowning deaths are preventable.
To
help educate children, parents, families and swim instructors on preventive
measures to avoid a drowning incident, US
Swim School Association (USSSA), the preeminent swim school organization in
the country, has compiled the latest life-saving water safety and swim
instruction tips.
help educate children, parents, families and swim instructors on preventive
measures to avoid a drowning incident, US
Swim School Association (USSSA), the preeminent swim school organization in
the country, has compiled the latest life-saving water safety and swim
instruction tips.
There are certain standard things parents should do: (a) keep their children under their supervision constantly, (b) enroll them in swimming classes, (c) know CPR Nd (d) install pool fences and barriers. In addition to
these vital steps, USSSA has created a list of tips parents can use to build
extra layers of protection for their children around water.
these vital steps, USSSA has created a list of tips parents can use to build
extra layers of protection for their children around water.
Drowning
Prevention & Water Safety Tips
Prevention & Water Safety Tips
- Create a verbal cue for your
toddler or child that must be given by you before he or she can enter the
pool. - Never allow your
baby/toddler in the pool without a swim diaper. - Create a process the child
must go through before entering a pool such as putting on a swim diaper, a
swimsuit and applying sunscreen. - Never use flotation devices
or water wings when swimming or when teaching kids to swim. - Children should learn to
swim without goggles. Teach your
children to open their eyes under water; if they fall in they can find the
side of the pool or a step and get out safely. - For very young children
practice having them put their entire face under water in the bathtub and
blow bubbles to build their comfort with water. - Create a water safety plan
for your family and have water emergency drills with your kids covering
how to recognize the signs of someone struggling in water and what to do
in this type of emergency. - Make sure your guests and
kids’ friends know your pool rules before they go outside and get in the
pool. - Start swim lessons at 6
months of age and continue them year-round at a US Swim School member
location. - Always make sure your
children wear life jackets on boats, personal watercraft and in open
bodies of water.