By Nanette Wiser
WATER SAFETY Keep your kids safe around pools or at the beach during a family gathering. Did you know that an average of 10 fatal drowning incidents occur daily in the U.S. and drowning is the single leading cause of death among children 1-4 years old. The National Drowning Prevention Alliance (NDPA) believes that through education, awareness, and advocacy we can reduce drowning accidents and aquatic injuries by making this a priority year-round. For more tips, visit www.ndpa.org.
Implement Layers of Protection at Home Create security systems to prevent unauthorized access to bodies of water by children including barriers and alarms, supervision, water competency, life jackets, and emergency preparation.
Practice Water Safety at Home Never leave your child alone in the bathtub–even for a moment. Use bath seats with supervision; they can tip over and your child can slip out. Empty water from containers, such as large pails and 5-gallon buckets, immediately after use. Keep bathroom doors closed. Install doorknob covers or a hook-and-eye latch or other lock that is beyond the reach of your small child. Keep toilet seats closed. Always close the toilet lid and consider using a toilet lid latch.
Teach Your Children About Water Safety There are plenty of fun and free tools available online that teach water safety such as coloring sheets, crossword puzzles, and games.
Enroll Your Child in Swimming Lessons Formal swimming lessons reduce the risk of drowning among children 1-4 years by 88%.
Invest in a Life Vest for Each Member of the Family Not all jackets offer the same protection; make sure the life jacket you choose is tested and approved by the U.S. Coast Guard.
Learn CPR With Rescue Breaths. Compression-Only CPR Does Not Treat Drowning Learn CPR training with rescue breaths and basic water rescue skills. Always have a phone available to call 911 immediately if needed.
Understand What Flotation Devices Do and Don’t Do
Fun flotation devices do not teach children to swim and do not protect them against water injury or drowning. Be vigilant and always keep your eyes on your little ones.
BE PREPARED Make it your New Year’s resolution to learn CPR and first aid; it can save a life when disaster strikes, from accidents to stroke, until professionals arrive. Giving appropriate first aid immediately can help to reduce a person’s recovery time and make the difference between the patient having a temporary or long-term disability. You’ll learn how to remain calm in emergency situations and you’ll learn simple acronyms to help you recall the steps you need to take. First aid training will make you confident and comfortable and therefore more effective and in control when you need to be. www.mayoclinic.org/first-aid