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How safe are your kids around water? The grim reality is nearly 1,000 children are lost to preventable drowning deaths each year. These tragic incidents are even recognized as the second leading cause of death among ages 5 – 24.
The majority of accidental drowning incidents occur in home swimming pools. Surviving the Arizona summer sun is a difficult feat without taking the occasional dip, making water safety especially important.
Here’s what parents need to know to limit the danger.
Staying Vigilant
The best way to keep your kids safe is to provide constant supervision around water. This applies to bathtubs, water buckets, toilet bowls and any garden variety swimming pool. It only takes the equivalent of 2 inches (6 cm) of water to create a dangerous situation.
While providing constant supervision may sound obvious to most parents, it’s easy to overlook everyday distractions. Answering a cellphone call or responding to an email can leave your children especially vulnerable. Parents should stay vigilant.
Buy Safety Gear
Find a great deal on floaties and life jackets and always keep them on hand around water. The summer sun can quickly damage safety gear, rendering it ineffective – keep it stored away when not in use.
Ensure that any pool toys you might have don’t present a danger to your children. Things like rafts and volleyball nets can present a major hazard.
Learn to Swim
Does your child know how to swim? If not, it’s a great idea to invest in swimming lessons – particularly if your house includes a pool.
Swimming lessons can help prevent fatal accidents from happening, they’re also fun. Most kids are pining for something to do over the dog days of summer and this is a great way of keeping them active.
You don’t need to break the bank for swimming lessons either. If you or another family member feel confident around water than share your expertise!
