It’s summertime and swimming is the most popular summer activity, but you have to prepare to be around the water. Nobody wants summer fun to turn into tragedy. And it can… in just a matter of seconds.
There have been several news stories this summer in regard to children and adults drowning in pools, lakes or at the beach. And with the recent news about country singer Granger Smith losing his son in a tragic accident, we wanted to do our part to make sure you have the information needed to help prevent an accident happening.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, drowning ranks as the leading cause of death for children ages one to four. Most occur in pools.
Parents and caregivers should constantly be within arm’s reach of all infants, toddlers or weak swimmers. Taking your eyes off children…even for “just a minute” could mean the difference between life and death.
Summer Water Safety
- As you prepare to go on vacation to local lakes, rivers, beaches, pools or a water park this summer, please plan for and talk about water safety with your family and friends.
- Always watch children around water. Designate an adult to be the one watching children in the water.
- Non-swimmers or weak swimmers should wear a U.S. Coast Guard approved life jacket. Everyone should wear a life jacket in open water. Water wings or arm floaties are not a floatation device and should not be relied upon to keep kids afloat.
- Four-sided pool fencing is recommended to keep children from accessing the pool without an adult knowing. Make sure gates are closed and latches work properly.
- Summer is a great time to enroll children in swim lessons!
The most important thing to remember is that drowning is PREVENTABLE.
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