Summer is just around the corner and, for many families, that means lots of fun in and around the water! Whether it's splashing in the kiddie pool, building sandcastles at the beach, or enjoying a boat ride around Dorchester Park, water activities are a fantastic way for kids to stay active and make memories. However, water can also be dangerous if proper precautions aren't taken.
At Tier Pediatrics, the health and safety of your children are our top priorities. That's why we want to share some crucial water safety tips to help your family enjoy the water responsibly this season.
Supervision is Key: The Golden Rule of Water Safety
This cannot be stressed enough: constant, active, and undistracted adult supervision is the most important factor in preventing drowning.
- Never leave a child unattended near any body of water, even for a second. This includes bathtubs, buckets, wading pools, and toilets.
- Designate a "water watcher" – a responsible adult whose sole job is to keep their eyes on the children in or near the water. This person should not be reading, texting, or engaging in other distracting activities. Rotate the water watcher frequently during longer periods of water play to ensure everyone stays alert.
- Stay within arm's reach of young children and non-swimmers. For toddlers and infants, this means being close enough to grab them immediately if they slip or get into trouble.
Layering Up for Safety: Beyond Supervision
While supervision is paramount, other safety measures provide crucial layers of protection:
- Learn to Swim: Enroll your child in age-appropriate swimming lessons taught by certified instructors. Swimming skills are essential for water safety, but remember that even strong swimmers need supervision.
- Life Jackets are Lifesavers:
- For young children, non-swimmers, and during boating activities, ensure they wear a U.S. Coast Guard-approved life jacket that fits properly. Check the weight and size recommendations on the label.
- Avoid inflatable toys or swimming aids like water wings or noodles as substitutes for life jackets. These can deflate or slip off and do not provide adequate buoyancy.
- Pool Fencing and Barriers: If you have a pool at home, install a four-sided fence at least four feet high with a self-closing and self-latching gate that opens outward, away from the pool. Keep the gate locked at all times when the pool is not in use. Consider additional layers of protection like pool alarms and safety covers.
- Teach Children Basic Water Safety Rules:
- No running or pushing around the pool or water.
- Enter the water feet first.
- Never dive into shallow water or unknown depths.
- Know how to call for help.
- Be Aware of Potential Hazards:
- Lakes and Oceans: Be mindful of currents, waves, and sudden changes in depth. Pay attention to posted warning signs.
- Rivers: Strong currents can be dangerous. Exercise extreme caution.
- Drains and Suction Fittings: Teach children to stay away from pool drains and suction fittings, as these can create a powerful suction that can trap hair, limbs, or clothing. Ensure your pool and hot tub have compliant drain covers.
- Learn CPR: Knowing cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) can be a life-saving skill in an emergency. Consider taking a CPR certification course.
Water Safety Doesn't Take a Vacation
Remember that water safety is an ongoing effort. Reinforce these tips with your children regularly and stay vigilant whenever you are around water.
At Tier Pediatrics, we want your family to have a fun and safe summer. By following these water safety tips, you can significantly reduce the risk of water-related accidents and enjoy all the wonderful aquatic activities our region has to offer.
If you have any questions or concerns about water safety for your child, please don't hesitate to reach out to us. We're always here to help!
Stay safe and have a fantastic summer!
This article is sponsored by the Tier Pediatrics, a valued sponsor of Macaroni KID Binghamton. We appreciate your support in reviewing our sponsors' articles and hope that their offerings are useful for you and your family.
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