Fun in the Sun: WATER SAFETY

By Ashley Loboda, MD – AHN Pediatrics St. Clair

Drowning is the leading cause of accidental death in children ages

1-4 and is one of the top 3 causes of accidental death for rest of childhood1. Drowning is preventable! As a former lifeguard, swim coach, and pool manager, I have witnessed how quickly and silently drowning can occur. As a pediatrician, taking care of a child after a drowning or near-drowning event can be devastating. As a mother of four young children, I also know just how easy it is to be distracted at the pool, beach, and boating. It is important to teach all children water safety from a young age and to teach them to swim.

Tips for keeping your kids safe by the water this summer2: 1. Constant Supervision - many times it is not a lack of supervision but a lapse in supervision that results in a drowning accident; designate one adult to be the “water watcher” in 15 minute shifts; children who cannot swim should always be within arm’s reach of an adult when in the water. 2. Back Floating - children should be taught to roll onto their back and float face up; find a swimming program that teaches this skill; floating is a crucial life saving technique.

3. Keep Water Areas Secure - pool fences should have self-closing and self-latching gates; install high locks and alarms on all doors and windows that give access to the water area; remove the temptation of water toys or any object in the water when not in use.

4. Learn CPR - American Heart Association www.heart.org

5. Check the Water First - if your child is missing, always check the pool or nearby water areas first.

6. Beach Safety - check out water conditions before entering the water; swim in an area with a lifeguard; teach your child how to survive if caught in a rip current; dress your child in bright colors.

7. Boating Safety - all children should wear a Coast Guard approved life jacket; check to see that the life jacket will float your child face up; make sure that there is one life jacket for every person on board a watercraft.

Outdoor water fun is a favorite way to beat the summer heat. Let’s make it one of the safest ways as well.

1CDC: Injury Prevention & Control 2ParentsPreventingChildhoodDrowning.com