The sun is finally shining, the rainy season is drying up and it's time to hit the water!
Unfortunately, each year, nationwide, more than 300 children under 5 years old drown in residential swimming pools, usually a pool owned by their family. In addition, more than 2,000 children in that age group are treated in hospital emergency rooms for submersion injures.
TODDLERS ARE ESPECIALLY PRONE TO DROWNING!
Between the ages of 1 and 3, children's motor skills develop at an alarming rate. One minute they can barely walk and the next they're climbing a fence! Parents often don't think their toddlers are capable of doing certain things, only to realize they were more than ready...often with fatal consequences.
And, don't think drownings just occur in pools. A toddler can just as easily drown in a toilet, a bucket of water or an undrained bathtub.
Here are some things everyone can do to help prevent drownings. Even if you don't have children, but do have a pool, be aware that children go where the water is.
1- Install a fence or wall around your pool or water.
2- Install a door alarm so that you will know if children leave the house unattended.
3- Purchase a power safety pool cover which uses a motor to cover and secure the pool.
4- TEACH YOUR CHILD TO SWIM! But know that swimmers of any age can run into trouble and need constant supervision.
5- Never let your child swim alone.
6- Learn CPR to be prepared in case of an emergency.
Many local fire stations offer water safety courses and the American Red Cross also provides a water safety class.
**REMEMBER--Drain the bathtub when the kids get out, keep the lid on the toilet closed (preferably locked), drain kiddee swimming pools when the kids get out, empty all buckets of water used for cleaning etc...
When at the lake/ocean/pond, show your kids who the lifeguard is and explain ALL of the rules so they will know exactly where they are allowed to swim.
You can never be too safe around water!
Have a safe summer in the sun and sand!
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