As we head into the warmest months of year, many of you will be heading to pools and lakes to keep cool. Water is so much more exciting now that your little ones can splash and swim and dunk their heads under water. It’s also a time when active supervision and basic childproofing is critical – NO EXCEPTIONS. The best part is it’s a great way to connect with your children with no distractions.
Here are Nine Top Safety Tips for keeping your little ones safe.
- Never leave your child unattended around water. We know it sounds strict, but there is no room for compromise on this one. Babies can drown in as little as one inch of water.
- A swimming pool is a ton of fun for you and your kids. Make sure backyard pools have four-sided fencing that’s at least 4 feet high and a self-closing, self-latching gate to prevent a child from wandering into the pool area unsupervised.
- Teach kids never to go near or in water without an adult present. Remember that things such as water wings, noodles and other items can create a false sense of security for children and should not be used in place of life jackets.
- Stay alert at public pools. Don’t assume someone else is watching your child.
- New parents have a million things to do, but learning CPR should be on the top of the list. It will give you a tremendous peace of mind – and the more peace of mind you have as a parent, the better.
- Make sure your home pool or spa has a proper drain cover or shut-off function to prevent long hair, loose clothing or body parts from getting trapped.
- Empty all tubs, buckets, containers and wading pools immediately after use. Store them upside down and out of children’s reach.
- Every child is different, so enroll your children in swimming lessons when you feel they are ready.
- Keep toilet lids closed and use toilet seat locks to prevent drowning. Keep doors to bathrooms and laundry rooms closed.
Find more water safety tips around public pools, in the ocean, at lakes or other bodies of water at https://www.safekids.org/safetytips/field_risks/swimming-and-water.
For more information contact 919-975-2521 or visit www.safekids.org.
Safe Kids Johnston County works to prevent unintentional childhood injury, the leading cause of death and disability to children ages 1 to 14. Safe Johnston County is a member of Safe Kids Worldwide, a global network of organizations dedicated to preventing unintentional injury. Safe Kids Johnston County was founded in 2009 and is led by the Partnership for Children of Johnston County.
-Safe Kids Johnston County News Release
