Swimming Pool Safety
Area schools are letting out, and summer is approaching quickly. That means vacations, campfires, countless outdoor activities, and even cooling off at your favorite swimming pool. While swimming pools are a lot of fun and a great summertime activity, knowing the risks of drowning and how to keep everyone safe while swimming is very important.
According to the Centers of Disease Control and Prevention, drowning is the leading cause of death by unintentional injury in kids ages one through four in the U.S. Drowning is also a leading cause of accidental death for those ages five to 19. Drowning can happen in pools, oceans, lakes, streams, bathtubs, and even buckets of water. Most young children who drown do so in home swimming pools.
Knowing the risks and taking action to make your home swimming pool safe can help save a life this summer. The following are a few prevention tips for parents.
Talk About It
Have a conversation about the importance of water safety with your children, your family, and your friends. Help make them aware and educate them just like you would any other topic.
Designate a Water Watcher
While swimming with your kids and others, it’s important to always have someone on duty watching what is going on in the pool. Keep a close eye on those who are in the water and pay attention to what is going on. It seems like a simple task, but things can change in the blink of an eye.
Put Away Your Phone
Scrolling through social media can wait! It’s important to keep your full attention on those who are in the pool. If you need to make a call, send a text, or just want to take a break on Instagram, make sure you designate someone else to be the water watcher.
Consider Swim Lessons
Even if you don’t own a pool or live close to a body of water, it’s so important for those in your family to know how to swim. Taking swimming lessons won’t drown-proof anyone BUT it will make you aware and much more comfortable in the water. Learning how to paddle and keep your head above water are important lifesaving skills that need to be taught at a young age.
There is no such thing as being too safe around swimming pools and other bodies of water this summer. Knowing the importance of water safety and raising awareness can help save lives.
Stay safe this summer!
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