It’s summer time! Where do we all want to be on a hot, sunny day but in the water? Children especially love the water this time of year. Adults are responsible for the safety of children.
We know that typically most drowning deaths in children are due to children being unattended for even a short moment of time. It takes less than two minutes for a child to lose consciousness. This is approximately the same amount of time it takes you to answer the phone. Drowning is a “silent event” and even though you may believe you will hear your child or a child in distress that is not necessarily true in the case of drowning.
Here are some tips that you can apply during visits to the swimming pool or on that summer outing when spending time around water with your kids:
- · Never Leave Children alone near or in water
- · Never rely on a personal flotation device or swimming lessons to protect a child
- · Empty or turn over wading pools, buckets or similar containers immediately after use
- · Learn CPR and keep rescue equipment and emergency numbers readily available
- · Enroll children in swimming classes held by a qualified instructor
- · Enclose your pool or spa with four-sided fencing, at least 5 ft. high, with self-closing or self latching gates
- · Pay attention to the water itself. Be aware of undercurrents and the changing nature of the body of water where you swim
You Can Become a Lifesaver With CPR Training
To get trained in first aid and CPR/AED, or to learn about other courses the Red Cross offers, go to redcross.org and find your local chapter. You can also visit the Red Cross store to check out products like First Aid and CPR for Everyone: An Introduction to Basic Lifesaving Skills.