Water Safety Tips for Kids
Posted on January 5, 2011
South Florida is praised for its sunny weather and clear, blue water. South Florida locals and visitors spend a lot of time in the water to escape the heat and partake in water-based recreational activities. If you’re new to the region and have small children, it’s important to take some time to address water safety. According to Safe Kids USA, kids between the ages of 1 and 4 are at the most risk of drowing in a home pool. In fact, 51% of drowning deaths for children 0-5 between 2002 and 2004 occurred in a home pool. Here are a few tips that can help you and your kids stay safe, whether you live near a lake, ocean, canal or own a private pool.
- Make the rules crystal clear- If your children are old enough to understand, make it clear that water is off-limits without adult supervision. Even if your child is under the age of two, help them understand that going outdoors to the swimming area is a no-no. While you will never leave your child unattended, children have a way of running off without warning, and it only takes a second for an accident to happen. If your child has a healthy fear of going near the swimming area, they will be less likely to attempt it without your supervision.
- Set Barriers- Block off the swimming area with a locked gate that is too tall for your child to cross. Make sure the gate has a lock or secure latch. As an additional safety measure, always lock the exit that leads to the swimming pool or lake.
- Give Your Children Swimming Lessons- In a worse case scenario, your children will be best protected if they know how to swim. Schedule swimming lessons before you relocate to South Florida, or as soon as you move.
- Become Certified in CPR- Knowing Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) methods can mean the difference between life and death. Everyone in your household and anyone that is caring for your children should become certified. If drowning does occur, you can perform CPR right away, instead of having to wait for paramedics.
Preparation and knowledge are the best defenses against accidents!
