As summer approaches and school comes to an end, many families are making plans for vacation and fun! The weather is heating up sending Floridians searching for ways to stay cool. This could be a trip to the ocean, lake, pool, or river to take a swim or even enjoy a boat ride. These activities require a little preparation to make sure everyone stays safe.
As summer approaches and school comes to an end, many families are making plans for vacation and fun! The weather is heating up sending Floridians searching for ways to stay cool. This could be a trip to the ocean, lake, pool, or river to take a swim or even enjoy a boat ride. These activities require a little preparation to make sure everyone stays safe.
There are simple steps families can take to ensure kids are safe when spending time around any body of water. It is important to make sure your child learns to swim. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends swim lessons for children over the age of one. Even with swimming lessons the most important thing is a watchful and attentive adult. This means really focusing attention on swimming children and not allowing any distractions like phones, books or chatting with a friend. A common misconception is that someone who is drowning will make noise or splash around, and this is not the case. Drowning is a silent event so active supervision is key. Another protective factor is ensuring a US Coast Guard Approved floatation device is worn. There are so many options for parents to purchase when it comes to swimming. Check your flotation device to ensure it states “USCG” approved. If this is not stated, the flotation device does not offer the safety needed and may give children a false sense of security. Parents should also consider the color bathing suits and swim wear that children and teens wear. Choose colors that are more visible and make it easier to find someone that has slipped under the water. If you are swimming in a pool that has a light surface wearing something that does not blend will make it easier to find someone. When swimming in natural bodies of water pay attention to the color of the water. Sometimes these waters can be dark and not clear making it more difficult to see and harder to see to the bottom. Choosing colors that would create the best visibility is important.
When thinking about water safety keep in mind that teens and preteens are at risk of drowning as well, not just the little ones. It is common to see kids in these age ranges explore natural bodies of water like oceans, rivers, and lakes. These types of waters make up a large majority of drowning deaths. Teach kids to swim only in designated swimming areas and close to a lifeguard. Pay attention to conditions like rip tides, currents, and waves as these conditions are challenging for even the strongest of swimmers.
Remember there is no one way to prevent drowning so it is important to create multiple layers of protection. These layers include things such as adult supervision, isolation fencing around pools, working gates and latches, alarms, swim lessons and learning CPR. Taking a CPR class that teaches the basic skills of how to start life saving measures really can save a person’s life. Often times when accidents happen, we are not in the presence of doctors and nurses. Being able to start CPR immediately greatly increases a person’s chance of survival.
As summer approaches keep these simple tips in mind to keep all adventures free from injury. To learn more visit www.wolfsonchildrens.com/safekids
Jessica Winberry, Coordinator Safe Kids NEF, Injury Prevention Coordinator Wolfson Children’s Hospital
safekids.org/coalition/safe-kids-northeast-florida