There’s no denying that some of our best, early memories involve having fun while playing in and around water. Splashing around in the sun, throwing toys to retrieve at the bottom of a pool and having contests to see who can hold their breath underwater the longest are all games children play that can turn dangerous in the blink of an eye. You look away for one short moment to flip a burger or apply more sunscreen, and all of a sudden your child falls into water and begins to struggle and drown. This is easily one of our worst nightmares as parents, but there are extra precautions and basic safety measures we can take to keep our little ones safe around water.
Here are a few childproofing and safety tips to reduce the risk of your loved one drowning:
- Use toilet seat locks and keep toilet lids closed while not in use to prevent drowning. Make sure doors to bathrooms and laundry rooms are closed.
- Stay near your child around water, give them your undivided attention and never leave them unattended.
- Teach kids still learning how to swim that water wings, noodles and foam boards are no replacement for life jackets. Tell them they should never go near or in water without an adult.
- Backyard swimming pools are a lot of fun, but can be dangerous if easily accessible. Make sure to have a four-sided fencing at lease 4 feet high with a self-closing and self-latching gate to prevent a curious child from entering the pool area unsupervised.
- Don’t assume lifeguards at public pools have a constant eye on your child. Stay alert.
- Learn CPR; you never know when you might need to perform lifesaving techniques. It will give you peace of mind and confidence in ensuring your child’s safety.
- Empty all pool toys, tubs, wading/inflatable pools and buckets after use, and store them upside down to dry out of your child’s reach.
- Teach children how to tread water, float and to not play games involving competing to hold breathe under water. Once you feel they are ready to learn how to swim, enroll them in lessons by a certified lifeguard or water safety professional.
Taking proactive safety measures to protect your child around water will ease your mind and prevent dangerous injuries or death. Parvey & Cavenago care about the safety and wellbeing of your family. For more information about our practice and services, call 239-334-0300.
