Summer, Water, Kids and Safety

It's summer time. Soon the last school bells will be ringing. All the kids love to spend time in the water. They love swimming and playing in the water. Kids and water and summer all seem to go together. It is, unfortunately also a reality of summer, the time when accidents happen in the water. Drowning is the second leading cause of accidental injury related death among children from ages one to fourteen and the leading cause in children from one to four. An accident in the water can happen in seconds. We all need to be aware of the risk and take safety precautions to keep children safe this summer.

Always watch your child while they are in the water. This sounds very simple, but is very valuable. A child can drown in a matter of minutes. In the time it takes you to answer the phone or the door a child could be in danger. Never leave your child alone in or near the water. They need constant supervision.

Fencing around pools is a necessity. Children are naturally curious and most love water. If a pool does not have a fence a child could take it upon themselves to play in the water by themselves. Fences are for their safety. A fence should be at least five feet and have self closing and self latching gates.

A life jacket could save your child's life. Most states now have laws that life jackets are required on boats, but a child around open water or participating in water sports also needs a life jacket. A life jacket or PFD, Personal Flotation Device, is not the same as the blow up water wings or inner tubes children use to play in the water. You need to make sure the child has a U.S. Coast Guard approved Personal Flotation Device. Though they may not like wearing it, it is for their own safety.

Children should be taught to swim. Many places offer qualified swimming lesson. You can find lessons at your local YMCA, Department of Parks and Recreation or the Red Cross. Make sure your child receives lessons from a certified teacher in a reliable facility. Many places offer private lessons or class lessons. It is an activity the child will enjoy as well as benefit from the instruction.

Make sure the child knows water safety. The basic rules of water safety are to never swim alone. Always have a buddy swim with you. A child should be taught to never swim without a responsible adult present. Never swim in an open body of water or participate in water sports without a personal flotation device or PFD. Even if it isn't a fashion statement children should always be reminded that it is safety first. They should know to never dive into a river, lake, ocean or any water that is less than nine feet in depth. Lastly stress to a child to call for help if someone is in trouble in the water. They should never jump into the water thinking they can save them. They should be taught to throw into the water something that floats to the one in trouble and then call for help.

Water safety in the summer time, or any time, can never be stressed enough. Make sure your child and you follow all the safety rules. Help to reduce the statistics of water accidents. Stay safe, have fun in the water and the summer will be great fun for everyone.