Did you know that drowning is the #1 cause of death for toddlers? Drowning is a preventable tragedy, and it is crucial for every parent to be vigilant and take necessary precautions to prevent drowning incidents. The early summer days are the perfect time to refresh your water-safety knowledge. Here are a few practical tips to ensure you keep your young ones water-safe this summer.
Supervision is key:
Constant supervision is the most crucial factor in preventing drowning. Never leave a child unattended near water, whether it’s a pool, bathtub, pond, or any other body of water. Designate a responsible adult as the “Water Watcher” whose sole focus is supervising children in and around water.
Water Safety at Home:
Young children can drown in as little as a couple of inches of water – and when it happens, it’s silent and fast. Bathrooms are especially dangerous places for unsupervised toddlers. Never leave your child unattended near any water source, including bathtubs, pools, or buckets. Empty buckets and containers immediately after using them and keep bathroom doors securely closed.
Do you have a swimming pool or hot tub? If so, create layers of protection to make it difficult for your child to get anywhere near the pool without your awareness. Make it difficult for your child to get outside without your noticing it by installing a safety gate on your back door, door lock, or doorknob cover. Install a pool fence, place a pool cover over the pool and/or hot tub when you aren’t swimming, and set safety alarms. Fences with self-latching gates should completely enclose the pool area, preventing unsupervised access. Make sure the fence is at least four feet high and has no gaps that a child could squeeze through.
Be prepared whenever you’re near water:
Drowning does not always happen in the pool. Water basins, coolers filled with melted ice, a large dog water bowl, and a fountain are just a few examples of objects that pose risks to small children. Lakes, rivers, and oceans present their own set of risks. The currents, undertow, and sudden drop-offs can be dangerous, even for skilled swimmers. Always closely supervise children near natural bodies of water and ensure they wear appropriate life jackets when boating or participating in water activities.
Introduce your child to water early and safely:
Don’t let a fear of the worst case keep you out of the swimming pool this summer – just be sure to swim safely. Swimming is great exercise and will boost kids’ endorphins. Plus, it’s an excellent way for them to socialize. Floaties or a life jacket are must-haves for toddlers. When they’re ready, teach them to kick, paddle, and tread water. Once your child turns 4, they’re ready for swimming lessons, the ultimate way to build up their love of the water. However, remember that swimming lessons do not make a child drown-proof. Alongside swimming lessons, teach your child about water safety, such as the importance of not running near water, not pushing or jumping on others in the water, and understanding the meaning of warning signs and flags at pools or beaches.
Stay vigilant during social gatherings:
Many drowning incidents occur during parties. When attending or hosting festive events, be especially attentive to the safety of children near water. Task a responsible adult as the designated Water Watcher to ensure continuous supervision.
Be ready to respond to an emergency:
Recognize the signs of a drowning child. Drowning usually happens without warning. If your child is suddenly out of sight, be ready to launch into rescue mode. Learn to recognize the signs of drowning, which may include a head low in the water, mouth at water level, arms extended to the side or pressing downward, or an expression of panic or a blank stare. Be sure that anyone who supervises your child – including your spouse or the child’s older siblings – knows how to administer CPR. The very act of learning how to prepare for an emergency will elevate the importance of water safety for your whole family.
At Maryvale, we take water safety very seriously. As Los Angeles locals, we know the benefit of cooling off for a swim on a hot summer day. Pool time is a beloved part of the summer recreation opportunities we offer children at our Summer Day Camp. While swimming at our Rosemead location, children are supervised closely by both Maryvale staff and trained lifeguards.
